View report page

into two self-contained flats was approved. Two applications were refused, one because
shop premises were an integral part of the dwelling and the other because the improvement
was not considered to be eligible. In one case, where a condition of the grant was not
complied with, the applicant was required to repay the grant.
Following a case where work was done before the applicant had received official
approval, increased publicity was given to the fact that applicants must not commence
work until the Council's written approval has been received.
Tents, Vans and Sheds
The number of occasions continues to decrease in which gypsies have pulled their
vans onto vacant sites in an effort to spend at least a few days in the area. The number
of sites with easy access from the road is becoming less each year. During the year
inspectors paid 142 visits to various sites in connection with this work.
One application under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act, 1960
has been received in respect of a site of 14 vans which has been in existence for many
years.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948
Section 47
The surveillance of persons who are unable properly to care for themselves receives
the constant attention of all members of the department. The various services operated
by the department continue to improve the lot of many of these unfortunate people who,
although they cannot do much for themselves, are unwilling to leave their home in
what are inevitably their last days. It was not necessary compulsorily to remove any
person during the year.
Section 50
One person (female 65 years) was buried under the provisions of this section.
LAUNDRY SERVICE FOR THE INCONTINENT AGED
This service continues to meet a real need in the home at a time when help is usually
most urgent. The days of collection and delivery of laundered articles are Mondays
and Thursdays.
The helpful, co-operative attitude of the department's driver and the laundry staff
at the Barking Hospital ensures a very satisfactory service.
An average of about 15 cases use the service at any one time. From the commencement
of the service in December 1953 to the end of this year 280 cases have received
assistance. During the year 50 new cases have been helped, 21 cases died, 16 were
removed to hospital and two no longer needed the service. At the end of the year 21
cases were still participating; the number of articles laundered during the year was
10,439 compared with 11,295 articles for the previous year.
22