HC Deb 23 October 1989 vol 158 cc340-1W
25. Mr. Adams

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he has any proposals to increase the financial support for young single homeless people.

35. Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he has any proposals to increase the financial support for young single homeless people.

45. Mr. Allen McKay

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he has any proposals to increase the financial support for young single homeless people.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

The normal range of benefits available to young single people is also available to those who are homeless. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State will be making the general uprating statement soon.

Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give details of the percentage of his Department's budget expended on the homeless each year since 1979; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

The homeless are, in general, entitled to social security benefits on the same basis as everyone else. I regret, therefore, that the information requested is not available.

Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list all benefits within his responsibility available to homeless persons.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

There are no benefits specifically for the homeless, but they may claim a wide range of benefits subject to the usual qualifying conditions.

Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to prevent financial hardship being caused to homeless persons as a result of the recent changes in legislation.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

People without accommodation continue to be entitled to claim benefit in the usual way.