§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will collect from all local authorities in England and Wales the latest statistics regarding the amount of temporary accommodation each provides for whole families at the initial stage of their homelessness.
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§ Mr. DeanNo. I do not consider that the collection of such statistics would serve a useful purpose at the present time having regard to the quarterly statistics of the numbers of families living in temporary accommodation which are already collected. The need for changes in the statistics collected will be reviewed when the working parties on homelessness in London, Wales and the South-West have completed their work.
§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will undertake a survey of what happens to those 76 per cent. of families whose application for temporary accommodation because of homelessness is rejected, according to the latest statistics.
§ Mr. DeanSince the criteria for accepting applications varies among local authorities, and many authorities record applications made in anticipation of homelessness which does not in fact occur, I do not consider that a survey of this kind would be useful. I will however consider what further studies should be undertaken in the light of the final reports of the working parties now studying these matters.
§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the present variations in provision of temporary accommodation for the homeless as between different local authorities; and what action he is taking to remedy this problem.
§ Mr. DeanThe extent of the need for temporary accommodation varies from area to area, and so therefore must the provision made to meet it. As indicated in my reply to the hon. Member on 6th Juy last the Department's Regional Social Work Service keeps the services provided by local authorities under review, and where appropriate authorities are encouraged to increase their provision.—[Vol. 820, c.332.]