§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current occupancy rate for bail hostels in the west midlands; and what assessment he has made of the immediate consequence if two of the hostels in the west midlands were closed.
§ Mr. MacleanThe occupancy rate for approved hostels in the west midlands in January, the most recently available monthly figure, was 80 per cent. The probation committee has been asked to identify two hostels for closure, with a requirement to reduce expenditure by £400,000 a year. In doing so the committee will need to assess the options, taking account of local circumstances and the consequences of closure. I have not yet received such an assessment from the committee.