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Once more we are faced with building for the future on what was best of the
past; in whatever capacity the staff of Administration Division serve the Authority after
26th May, 1971, the experience of the last three years will for many prove to be a corner
stone of their future development in the public service.
The Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 contains much that is open to
criticism by those who regard a decision-making local government as essential to our way
of life. Having become over-involved in management functions properly the responsibility
of local authorities during the initial stages of the implementation of the Social Services
Act, there are hopeful signs that Central Government is now more willing to allow Social
Services departments to function and realise their potential within the democratic processes
exemplified in a healthy local government.
That reorganisation of the Health Services will mean the withdrawal of Personal
Health Services from local authorities can only be regarded as a matter of regret by those of
us who, by association with the fine traditions built up in the Local Authority Health Services,
are proud to be local government officers. Understandable and perhaps not completely
unjustified fears that reorganisation of the Health Services will comprise an element of
'take-over' by the present largest partner must be allayed: this is an occasion when justice
must not only be done but manifestly be seen to be done.
"I am the daughter of Earth and Water,
And the nursling of the Sky:
I pass through the pores of the ocean and shores;
I change but I cannot die".
P.B.Shelley 1792-1822
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