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86
OTHER WELFARE SERVICES
Receivership
The Chief Welfare Officer has been appointed as the
officer of the Borough Council responsible to act in matters of
Receivership. A Receivership is required where,after considering
medical evidence, the Court of Protection is satisfied that a
person is incapable by reason of mental disorder of managing and
administering his property and affairs. The appointment of a
Receiver is at the discretion of the Court of Protection, and it
may happen that although the Council take action to secure a
Receivership, an officer of this authority is not appointed as
Receiver. This has happened on one occasion during the year.
There are three further cases which are in the process of being
considered by the Court of Protection and this department.
Burial and Cremation
The Borough Council has a duty under Section 50 of the
National Assistance Act, 1948, to cause to be buried or cremated,
the body of any person who has died or been found dead in the
borough, in any case where it appears that no suitable arrangements
for the disposal of the body have been or are being made, otherwise
than by the authority.
Five persons were buried and one cremated under this
Section this year. Four were residents in accommodation provided
by the authority under Part III of the National Assistance Act,1948,
one was recovered from private premises at the request of a doctor,
and one from Kingston Hospital mortuary after an inquest.
Safeguarding Property
The Borough Council has a duty under Section 48 of the
National Assistance Act, 1948, to protect or deal with any movable
property where no suitable arrangements have been or are being made
when a person is admitted to hospital or a residential home. There
have been few calls on this service. Many of the responsibilities
under this Section have been obviated by the appointment of a
Receiver.