HC Deb 25 October 1988 vol 139 cc148-9W
Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for assisting in the housing of young people in Halifax who are facing homelessness as a result of the changes in the law in April relating to housing benefits.

Mr. Trippier

[holding answer 24 October 1988]: The Government do not accept that the changes in housing benefit announced in April have resulted in homelessness among young people either in Halifax or elsewhere. The statutory responsibility for assisting or advising young homeless people in Halifax rests entirely with the local authority, under the provisions of part III of the Housing Act 1985.

Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received relating to the decision of the Stoneham housing association and the local authority in Halifax to abandon a scheme providing furnished flats because changes in housing benefits would prevent young people, for whom the scheme was designed, from meeting the rents.

Mr. Trippier

[holding answer 24 October 1988]: None.