HC Deb 16 July 1985 vol 83 cc157-8
5. Mr. Hirst

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the provisions for the single homeless in west central Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister for Social Security (Mr. Tony Newton)

Provision for the single homeless is primarily for local authorities to determine. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has, however, a responsibility to provide temporary places for people without a settled way of life. In west central Scotland, the Department currently runs the Bishopbriggs resettlement unit for this purpose. As my hon. Friend is aware, it is our policy progressively to close these units, in parallel with measures to develop more appropriate alternative provision. In the case of Bishopbriggs, our aim is to close it within the next three years, and a review team chaired by the Department and including representatives of the Scottish Council for the Single Homeless and local housing interests is currently, through a process of consultation, assessing the needs of the single homeless in the area and considering proposals for alternative facilities. My hon. Friend has written to me about the matter, as has the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. Wilson) and one member of the public.

Mr. Hirst

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that there is considerable concern in west central Scotland about the Department's proposal to close the resettlement unit at Bishopbriggs, which has in the past provided a refuge for single homeless people? Is he prepared to extend the consultation period, and will he give a commitment to retain the unit if the consultations show a pressing need for it?

Mr. Newton

My hon. Friend knows that we are determined that this shall be part of a programme of ensuring proper alternative provision. In that spirit, I am happy to say that I would be willing to extend the consultation period to the end of this year. The same will apply to the other seven units which we have in mind for relatively early closure.

Mr. Maxton

Will the Minister take an early opportunity to visit the Bishopbriggs resettlement unit and talk to the staff about the excellent work that they have been doing? What voluntary services will take on the work of that unit. when others in the west of Scotland say that at present they could not take on its role? Rather than simply extending the consultation period, will he make it clear that the Bishopbriggs resettlement unit will he kept open?

Mr. Newton

The purpose of the consultation period—the consultations involve some distinguished people, including the former chairman of the Supplementary Benefits Commission and representatives of the Scottish Council for the Single Homeless—is to establish what the possibilities are for alternative provision. I shall bear in mind the hon. Gentleman's request for me to visit the unit. I am due to visit some resettlement units in the next few months, though I cannot make him an absolute promise to visit that one.