§ Mr. WardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will review the Housing Act 1985 as far as it affects homeless people, in view of the recent comments made by Lord Justice Watkins in the High Court about the lack of clarity in the Act.
§ Mr. Michael Spicer[holding answer 3 April 1990.]: The Government completed a major review of the homelessness legislation only last November. It concluded that the Act provided an adequate safety net for those in genuine need, homeless through no fault of their own. It recognised, however, that there was a need for local authorities to adopt more consistent procedures and criteria. A revised code of guidance is being prepared to help them to achieve this and we will look carefully at Lord Justice Watkin's comments in preparing the revised code.