XN000022-1974-02-18 — Page 6

Monday, February 18, 1974

The decision to waive the rent increases for one year, he said,

had been the result of discussions between the Social Welfare Department

and the Housing Authority.

It will be necessary, he said, for the Social Welfare Department

to make recommendations to the Social Welfare Advisory Committee (SWAC) in

respect of those organizations and operations which are of a wolfare nature.

There are at present arrangements for the refund of rates to welfare

organizations providing services useful to the community and it should not

be insuperable to extend this arrangement to cover the refund of both rents

and rates," he noted.

The question then arises of what criteria should be used for making

these recommendations for refund, Mr. Topley said.

Aro

While it would not be possible to anticipate the decision of SWAC,

he said, it appeared that these criteria would be important, namely, does the organization's operation in the premises provide a valuable service? the promises fully occupied and used? And are the services provided available

to the public as a whole and not only to a membership group?

The Director said these criteria would be fair and reasonable, and

would not be so stringent as those applied to organizations seeking subvention.

"It should be possible to make comprehensive recommendations to SWAC

in the early summer and effective organizations providing useful services

should not need to fear regarding their future operations," he said.

He pointed out that the Social Welfare Department would not be able

to make recommendations regarding clinics, schools and churches for which

the Medical and Health, Education and Home Affairs Departments would be the

respective sponsoring authorities, but those departments would be advised

of the situation so that they can make appropriate arrangements.

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