HC Deb 05 April 1989 vol 150 cc180-1
6. Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the latest figures for homelessness in Scotland.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Returns submitted by local authorities indicate that 9,000 households which applied under the homelessness legislation in 1987–88 were assessed by local authorities as being homeless. In 1986–87, the figure was 10,500.

Mr. Griffiths

Why has the Secretary of State washed his hands of homelessness, which has reached horrific levels in Edinburgh and Scotland? If he does not do something about the problem soon, Edinburgh will get a reputation to match the worst of downtown New York.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for having given me notice of his supplementary question in the Edinburgh Evening News today which states: a row blew up during Scottish Questions in the Commons. I am sorry to disappoint the hon. Gentleman, but I must advise him that the statutory responsibility for the homeless rests with local authorities. They are under a duty to ensure that accommodation is made available for those in priority need. The code of guidance issued by the Government makes it clear that where possible local authorities should secure accommodation for homeless young people at risk of exploitation. I am sure that the city from which we both come is doing that job and is taking its responsibilities seriously.

Mr. Norman Hogg

Is the Minister aware of the reply that I received from his hon. Friend the Minister of State about the number of council houses sold in the new towns and about the impact that that is having on homelessness in the five new towns? Will the Minister undertake, with the Minister of State, to initiate an inquiry into the fact that public sector building in the new towns is inadequate to meet the needs of the homeless persons there?

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Research has shown that when houses are sold to tenants the vast majority of tenants continue to live in them as owners, so it does not have a marked effect on the problems of waiting lists or homelessness. We are conducting research into homelessness and waiting lists which, though related, are separate subjects. We hope that the results of research into homelessness will be ready towards the end of this year, and that those in respect of waiting lists will be ready early next year.

Mr. Maxton

Among all the self-congratulation in which the Minister and his right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State have been indulging today, perhaps he will take some time to answer the question that was put to him by my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hughes) and explain why homelessness in Scotland as a whole has risen by 77 per cent., in Aberdeen district council area by 200 per cent., and in Renfrew by 355 per cent. since 1983. Council house starts last June were only 11 per cent. of what they were in 1979 and mortgage repossessions in Scotland have risen by a staggering 686 per cent. since 1980. How does the Minister justify that in terms of the Government's housing policy in Scotland?

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

If the hon. Gentleman wants to know the reasons for homelessness, there are a vast variety of them, including marital break-up, the incidence of single-parent families, and the many young people who leave home at an early stage. We have greatly increased resources to local authorities in Scotland this year. Their housing revenue account is no less than £474 million gross, which is £29 million more than it was last year, and 6.5 per cent. up on last year's figures. That will undoubtedly be of assistance to local authorities.