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such as old people's clubs, are helped by the provision of games or
other small items, or by lending one of the Department's specially
adapted vehicles (when available) to convey the physically handicapped
to clubs, etc.
People are becoming more and more conscious of the hardships,
deprivations and loneliness which exist even in this Welfare State and
since 1965 the Council's policy has been to encourage and assist the
many organisations in the Borough, which exist to alleviate distress.
Charities
A central register of charities is maintained jointly by the Charity
Commissioners and the Secretary of State for Education and Science, the
latter registers educational charities and those for other purposes
which concern him and the Commissioners register all other charities.
There are certain classes of charities which are excepted from the requirement
to register. The register is open to public inspection at all
reasonable times.
This Council has exercised its power under the Charities Act and
maintains an index of local charities, the information therein having
been supplied by the Commissioners and the Minister of Education from
the central register and they keep the Council informed of any changes,
(The local index is maintained by the Town Clerk and is available for
inspection).
The Charities Act 1960 opens up, the way for a closer liaison between
charities and local authorities if the trustees of charities so
desire, and in the mutual exchange of information in the interests of
beneficiories and the co-ordination of their activities in the common
field of welfare, it may be found that the statutory authorities will often
have knowledge of local needs which are not being met and this may be
useful to the trustees looking for outlets in which to use their money;
and would ensure that each, other's work complemented and not duplicated
the other.
Some trustees are finding that they are so tied by the terms of their
trust deed which, may be narrow and obscure that they are unable to make
an effective contribution towards relieving distress in the changed and
ever-changing conditions of today; this is another field in which liaison
could help — the local authority, after consultation with the trustees,
may make recommendations to the Commissioners who have wide powers
in this respect, but without whose consent no change can be made.