HC Deb 23 February 1983 vol 37 cc929-30
20. Mr. Eastham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make additional resources available to local authorities in areas which are the centres of large conurbations to assist them with the provision of hostels for homeless persons.

Sir George Young

The need for investment in hostel and move-on accommodation was one of the factors that was taken into account in determining housing investment programme allocations for 1983–84. In addition, through its hostels initiative, the Government have since 1981 made substantial and increasing sums for hostels available to housing associations through the Housing Corporation.

Mr. Eastham

Is the Department placing enough importance on the problem of the single homeless as it affects the core cities? Is the Minister aware of the high financial consequences that affect their revenue account and which will be subject to penalty? Does he realise that they must face the problems of social behaviour of some of the people who need urgent assistance? Is it not time that they were placed under the umbrella of one Department instead of being between the Department of the Environment and the DHSS?

Sir George Young

Discussions about topping-up grants are continuing with the DHSS. We hope to come to a conclusion quite soon. With regard to the hon. Gentleman's general point about accommodation for the single homeless, the Housing Corporation allocation for hostel schemes was £12 million in 1981–82, whereas next year it will be £32 million. That gives some idea of the priority that we give to the subject.

Mr. Pavitt

Is the Minister aware of the importance of the question of my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Eastham) about centres of large conurbations? Does he know that in Brent this week 430 homeless people are being provided with bed and breakfast accommodation at a cost of more than £30,000 per week? Will he reconsider his decision of some months ago and enable Brent council to buy hostel accommodation outside the borough boundaries, which would be much cheaper for our ratepayers?

Sir George Young

I met the director of housing of Brent council at a recent conference and asked him to write to me about the specific problem to which the hon. Gentleman referred. When I receive his letter I shall see what I can do to help.