§ Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what requirements are placed on local authorities to provide bed-and-breakfast accommodation for the homeless unemployed; if he has any plans to introduce specific grants for the provision of night shelter hostels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerLocal authorities' duties to secure accommodation for homeless people (whether employed, or unemployed) are set out in part III of the Housing Act 1985 and described in my right hon. Friend's statement last November (copies of which are in the Library) of the conclusions of our review of the legislation. We have no powers to give councils specific grants for the provision of night shelters.