§ 48. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many single persons and families are living in hotels, the costs of which are met by his Department ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Dean767 homeless families comprising 2,402 persons were housed temporarily in bed and breakfast accommodation in Greater London on 30th June 1973, the latest date for which figures are available. Such figures are not yet collected for the remainder of the country. The cost is borne mainly by local authorities.
§ Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for the Social Services if he is satisfied with the progress being made in dealing with the problems of the single homeless in central London.
§ Mr. DeanConsiderable progress is being made ; for example, a voluntary hostel for homeless young people is to be provided through the urban aid programme in the London borough of Islington ; the Greater London Council has recently offered a number of short life properties to voluntary bodies for homeless single people ; and the Supplementary Benefits Commission is continuing to make increased provision in its reception centres and to open new centres.