§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he is having with local authorities concerning the problems of homelessness amongst 16 to 19-year-olds.
§ Sir George YoungThe subject of homelessness among young people is raised from time to time in discussions between particular local authorities and my Department, but there have not been any recent general discussions concerning the particular age group mentioned.
§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what initiatives are being considered to relieve the problems of homelessness among the 16 to 19-year-old age group.
§ Sir George YoungLocal authorities have in general a duty under the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 to secure accommodation for homeless people who are vulnerable, and we have encouraged them to include in this category young people who are at risk of sexual or financial exploitation. It is for authorities to decide where this duty applies.
Homeless people in this age group are benefiting from a wide range of initiatives taken by local authorities, voluntary bodies and the Government. These include 58W hostels provided for the young single homeless and other groups in special need under the Government's hostels initiative and projects directed at particular groups of young people such as children leaving care.
§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people between the ages of 16 and 19 years are currently homeless in each English region.
§ Sir George YoungThis information is not available.