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16
The second factor relates to finance. It is perhaps of relevance to
note that in the last two years this Council has authorised expenditure
on the social services for local residents which is greater in extent
than in the previous eight or nine years. This is no reflection on the
former health and welfare authorities, but it is a measure of the
Council's achievement and of the direct interest which local elected
members take in trying to meet the various needs and known
deficiencies. Herein lies the dilemma. Social services are expensive
in terms of labour and resources and it is a simple matter for officers
to draw up grandiose plans for expansion without due regard to
future capital and revenue implications. I am convinced, however,
that in providing social services where the needs to be met have no
immediate practical or foreseeable limits, all available resources
must be husbanded and used in a strict priority to be determined by
the Council.
From these grisly realities it is pleasant to acknowledge the help
and support which I have received from so many sides. I must thank
Councillor Mrs. Stroud and Councillor Offord, the Chairman of the
Health and Welfare Committees respectively, for their support and
encouragement. The Committees have had many difficult decisions
to take and the Department has received from them nothing but
kindness and consideration. This Department, having such a
multiplicity of diverse services, must rely on innumerable voluntary
helpers and I acknowledge gladly the indebtedness of the staff and
myself to all of them. I am privileged to lead a large team and I am
grateful to the staff for their loyalty and their industry. I hope that
these pages, which contain the contributions and efforts of many,
will reflect faithfully my obligation to them. I must also express my
deep gratitude to those senior members of the staff with whom I am
in daily contact and in particular I must mention my deputy,
Dr. M. E. Watts, and the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. L.
Longhurst, who have not only shouldered a heavy and continuous
burden, but have almost entirely relieved me of the wearisome
irritations and frustrations of a busy department.
Last year I expressed the hope that the Council's exertions
during that year and its future plans which were outlined would
bring credit to the Borough. I trust that this further account of
advances will be found pleasing and acceptable.
Your obedient Servant,
J. Kerr Brown,
Medical Officer of Health