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year 71 such properties were being used in this
way Additionally 20 families were being accom
modated in three properties used as hostels.
Families with problems have always made a
considerable demand upon welfare services and
in recent years has shown no signs of diminishing
particularly in the London area. During 1968 some
150 families were referred to the department as
being potentially homeless and in need of supportWhilst
it was possible to avoid actual evictions
in many instances the effort expended in trying
to improve standards and encourage and develop
responsibility towards the community was considerable
and cumulative.
Meals-on-Wheels
As the result of the opening of a kitchen adjacent
to the day centre at Brentford it was possible
for the borough council to discontinue its reliance
for the provision of meals mainly from industrial
sources and begin limited expansion of the service.
Consequently the number of delivered meals was
increased from 105,408 in 1967 to 113 009 in 1968.
At the end of the year plans were in hand for
the opening of another kitchen towards the end
of 1969 because upon this depended the extension
of the service and the opening of further luncheon
clubs.
Transport
Additional vehicles were purchased during the
year although supply has by no means matched
the demand for transport services.
There is no doubt that the ability of the department
to provide many of its services depends to
a large extent on there being an adequate transport
service to cope with demands as and when they
arise. Whilst the need to hire transport has been
reduced over the years this factor has yet to be
eliminated from administrative processes.
Conclusion
A tribute must be paid to the many people and
organisations within the borough and elsewhere
who render voluntary service either in conjunction
with the department or independently, They sometimes
think that their efforts are not only unrewarded
but also unnoticed. Nothing could be
further from the truth for without them the welfare
services could not have been developed to reach
even their present leve I.
100
1968 saw the publication of the Seebohm
report advocating the creation of a single social
services department in each local authority whilst
the green paper on re organisation of the administrative
structure of the national health service
(published at the same time) advocated the creation
of area health boards outside the structure of local
government During all the debate and discussions
on the relative merits of the two proposals, the
spirit of goodwill and co-operation, so energetically
fostered in earlier years was successfully main
tained.
Thanks are due to the members of the council
and chief officers and staffs in all departments for
their willing assistance and co operation at all
times.
Co-ordination of Social Services
Co ordination between the Education Children's
Health Housing and Welfare departments continued
successfully throughout the year and there was a
good relationship with the many voluntary organisa
tions working in the borough.
General policy matters affecting the social
services were discussed at the Chairmen and Officers
Co ordinating Committees and there has been a co
ordinated approach to matters which affect the various
departments.
The recommendations of the Seebohm Committee
on the Local Authority and Allied Personal Social
Services and the Government s Green Paper on the
Administrative Structure of the Medical and Related
Services in England and Wales were published during
the year. The Secretary of State for Social Services
has indicated that no decisions will be taken on re
organisation of services until account has been taken
of the Royal Commission on Local Government in
England which is due to be published next year. In
the meantime the Council proposes to set up a pilot
project for an Area Social Work Team in the Feltham
part of the borough