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72
WELFARE OF AGED PERSONS
The powers of Metropolitan Borough Councils to assist in welfare of
aged persons were considerably extended by the National Assistance Act 1948
(Amendment) Act, 1962, Section 1 of which substitutes for Section 31 of
the National Assistance Act, 1948 (which relates to contributions by local
authorities to funds of local organisations), the following powers -
(a) to assist voluntary organisations to provide meals or recreation for
old people, by making contributions to the cost of the service
providing, by gift or loan or otherwise, furniture, vehicles or
equipment; permitting them to use premises belonging to the local
authority; and making available the services of local authority
staff connected with the premises or vehicles which the organisation
is permitted to use;
(b) to provide meals and recreation for old people, either directly or
through the agency of voluntary organisations, and to recover such
charges (if any) as the authority may determine, having regard to the
cost of the service.
For the purpose of implementing these new powers, the Council, on the
25th July, 1962, decided -
(1) to agree, with effect from the 1st October, 1962 to assume responsibility
for the Meals on Wheels service previously provided by the Hackney
Association for the Welfare of Old People, and
(2) to appoint a Social Welfare Officer and a Welfare Assistant.
The van used by the Hackney Association for the Welfare of Old People for
the delivery of meals was loaned to the Council until such time as other
arrangements could be made. To enable this service to be extended, an order
was placed for two "Commer Cob" vehicles at a total cost of £1,600 each
vehicle being fitted with five containers (ten meals per container) and
electrical heating apparatus, and thus being able to carry 50 hot meals at a
time. Arrangements were also made for the employment of four part-time
Driver/Attendants. (The vans were delivered on the 10th January, 1963)
SECTION 31 (Contributions to Old People's Organisations)
(a) Hackney Association for the Welfare of Old People The Council made
a grant of £1 750 to this Association to which the following old people s
clubs were affiliated -
Banister House, Good Companions.
Homerton, E.9. Webb Estate E.5.
The Beckers. Guinness Trust,
Rectory Road, N. 16. Stamford Hill, N, 16.
Cazenove Friendship, Hackney Friendship.
69. Stamford Hill, N.16. Brenthouse Road E.9,
Dalston Friendship, Hindle House
62, Montague Road, E.8. Areola Street, E.8.
Eton Mission, Lea View House,
Hackney Wick, E.9. Springfield, E 5.
Friends and Neighbours, Martello,
Pembury Estate, Pembury Road E.8. Martello Street, E.8.
Golden Links Mayfield Club
Clapton Park Methodist Church 15, Richmond Road, E.8.
Chatsworth Road, E. 5.