HC Deb 21 October 1986 vol 102 cc938-9
10. Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received regarding the changes introduced in the board and lodgings allowance system.

Mr. Major

We have received representations from various interested individuals and organisations about the ordinary board and lodge system and I have recently met the National Confederation of Registered Rest Homes Association to discuss the residential care sector.

Mr. Pike

Will the Minister accept that these new regulations are a disgrace, and are particularly vindictive against young homeless people? This is typified in the case of an 18-year-old who has lived in Burnley and Accrington all his life, but left his parents at the age of two, is no longer able to live with the people who were caring for him, and has now been told that after a certain number of weeks he must move on from Burnley if he wants to continue to receive his benefit? Is this not a disgrace, and should not these regulations be changed?

Mr. Major

I do not accept what the hon. Gentleman has said. I am familiar with the particular case that he raised, about which we have been in correspondence, and I am glad to say that the young man concerned is now in full employment. I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's criticisms. We have carefully monitored the results of the board and lodging regulations, and many of the fears expressed when they were originally introduced have not come to fruition.

Mr. Malins

A great number of people in receipt of board and lodging payments are in bed-and-breakfast accommodation. Is this not unsatisfactory, and should we not move to abolish it at an early opportunity?

Mr. Major

That is not a matter for me, but I am aware that local authorities have strong powers concerning bed-and-breakfast accommodation. Where appropriate, I hope that they will exercise those powers.

Mr. Hugh Brown

In the process of monitoring the operation of the board and lodging regulations, has the Minister found any evidence that unscrupulous landlords are switching to providing furnished accommodation? Has the Minister any knowledge of a recent programme on Scottish television which highlighted abuses in this sector, particularly of young people?

Mr. Major

I have not seen the Scottish programme to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but if he gives me details I shall endeavour to do so. I am concerned that in certain areas there may have been an element of collusion between the landlords and the tenants over the regulations. There is some evidence that, as a result of our new regulations, many rental charges have been held, or in some cases reduced.

Mr. John Mark Taylor

Does my hon. Friend consider that a private landlord is placed at an unreasonable disadvantage compared with the local housing authority in the matter of direct access to reimbursement of benefit for board and lodging?

Mr. Major

It would be a generally attractive notion were the privately rented sector again in a position to offer more accommodation, particularly for young people. I hope that we shall soon reach that position.