Property protection - client affairs

Property protection - client affairs

The council has a statutory duty to protect the property of a person there no one is willing or able to protect the property of the person

The law

The council has a statutory obligation Under Section 48 of the National Assistance Act 1948 to protect the property of a person where there is no one else willing or able to protect the property of the person.

Who can get this service?

A resident

• admitted to hospital
• admitted to residential accommodation or
• moved to any other place under an order made under Section (3) of Section 47 National Assistance Act 1948.
• Protection of property is carried out by the Client Affairs Team.

Referrals

Referrals can be made from a social worker, care worker, other authorities and any department of the council.

What happens once a referral is made?

Where it appears that there is property to be safeguarded and no suitable arrangements have been made by the person themselves or by a relative, friend or other responsible person then the Client Affairs Officer searches the premises.

We take the following steps

• safeguard items of financial value
• secure the premises
• compile an inventory
• arrange storage or disposal of items where appropriate
• dispose of all perishable foods
• make arrangements for the pet to be boarded (where there is no relative or friend to care for the pet)

If the service user is to remain away from their home for a long period then we regularly visit the premises to remove any mail make arrangements for mail to be forwarded on.

Contact:-

Client affairs
Tel: 020 8753 5042
145 -155 King Street, Hammersmioth, London W6 9XY
email: paul.joyce@lbhf.gov.uk