HC Deb 26 November 1990 vol 181 cc256-7W
Mr. Robert G. Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for action in relation to homeless single people in London, additional to that announced in his reply of 22 June,Official Report, column 738–40.

Mr. Michael Spicer

In his autumn statement on 8 November, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that, in addition to this year's provision of £15 million, a further £81 million would be provided over the next two years for single homeless people in London. The resources will meet the costs of additional short-term hostels for people currently on the streets and move-on accommodation for people in existing hostels.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what Government financial help is to be given this year to Crisis at Christmas; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

We give no direct financial help to Crisis at Christmas and it has made no application for any from my Department. However, several of the voluntary organisations assisting Crisis at Christmas with the "Open Christmas" project receive grant from my Department under section 73 of the Housing Act 1985.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will amend the homelessness provisions to allow newly arrived single refugees to qualify for priority housing status on local authority waiting lists; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

[holding answer 23 November 1990]: No. It is for each local housing authority to decide its own priorities in the selection of its tenants, subject to the requirements of section 22 of the Housing Act 1985. It is also for authorities to decide whether single refugees applying as homeless under part III of that Act are vulnerable, and thus in priority need for accommodation.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make arrangements to ensure that housing authorities that experience higher than average numbers of housing requests from asylum seekers arriving in the United Kingdom are provided with additional financial resources to cope with any extra demand.

Mr. Michael Spicer

[holding answer 23 November 1990]: Where a local housing authority in England experiences special needs which call for additional housing capital expenditure these needs will be taken into account by my Department in allocating housing investment programme (HIP) resources.