§ Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Prime Minister which Ministers are responsible for particular services designed to meet the needs of people living on the streets; and which Minister is responsible for coordinating services.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Supplementary Benefits Commission, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Social Services and in accordance with any directions given by him, has a statutory duty to help people without a settled way of living, and to provide and maintain reception centres. The Commission may make contributions to the funds of any voluntary organisation maintaining centres for purposes similar to those of the Commission's own reception centres.
The Secretary of State for Social Services is also responsible for health and personal social services, and the Secretary of State for the Environment for the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977, which may be relevant to people living on the streets.
There is no single Minister responsible for co-ordination, but there is close consultation between Departments.