HC Deb 02 July 1980 vol 987 cc1513-5
7. Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the latest annual figures of the number of homeless families housed by local authorities under the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act.

Mr. Stanley

In 1979, local authorities in England reported that they had accepted about 57,000 homeless households under the Act.

Mr. Pawsey

Is my hon. Friend aware that many local authorities are concerned because the Act is increasing the amount of time that certain people have to wait before being rehoused? Can he take any action to relieve pressure on local authorities that are being subjected, through no fault of their own, to lengthening queues?

Mr. Stanley

As my hon. Friend knows, we are carrying out a review of the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act, during which we shall review both the Act and the code of guidance. We are anxious to announce conclusions as soon as possible. As a result of recent court decisions, we have had to consider several supplementary submissions very carefully.

Mr. Joseph Dean

As vast numbers of single homeless people are often forced to seek accommodation in shabby hostels and lodging houses—which have been debated during the past 12 months —when does the Minister intend to issue the report of the housing advisory unit?

Mr. Stanley

At the Report stage of the Housing Bill I said that I hoped that the report would be available before the Bill's proceedings came to an end. That remains our objective.

Mr. Wilkinson

Notwithstanding the particular case of Hillingdon, which is being heard by the Court of Appeal this afternoon, will my hon. Friend consider boroughs that have ports of entry into the United Kingdom? Does he realise that at present those boroughs have a statutory duty to house homeless people who come into their area?

Mr. Stanley

As my hon. Friend knows, the statistics show that the legislation has substantial geographical variations. London boroughs that are situated as my hon. Friend has described are particularly affected by the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act. We are taking that factor into account.

Mr. Stephen Ross

As revision of the Act is taking some time, will the Minister reassure the House that circular No. 18/74 of the Administration headed by the right hon. Member for Sidcup (Mr. Heath), which sets out the priority groups, will not be disturbed? Will he also take great care about the figures that are reported by airports and docks, and ensure that they are up to date? Is he aware that I believe that those figures are nothing like the ones that have been made out in the House and elsewhere?

Mr. Stanley

As the hon. Gentleman knows, detailed statistics are collected by the Department from local authorities in accordance with the Act. The figures are published as soon as possible and copies are provided in the House. They are the best statistics available on an authority by-authority basis.