ABSTRACT
Even the earliest poor relief included help to the ill, indigent, and elderly either through the distribution of charity or through the provision of almshouses. Until the Local Government Act, 1929, the Poor Law and the local authority services ran in separate channels. The present functions of the Social Service Departments in England and Wales were laid down, with some subsequent minor amendments, in the Local Authority Social Services Act, 1970. There are 174 Social Service Departments in England and Wales under the Department of Health and Social Security. A meals-on-wheels service provides a basic element in the community support programme. An occupational therapist in the Social Service Department may visit handicapped people of all ages, including the physically and mentally infirm.
