Access to Local Authority Housing (Hansard, 17 October 1994)

§ Mr. Betts
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what options for housing will be available to a homeless family accepted as being in priority need and not intentionally homeless for the 12 months after they became homeless as a result of the statement on access to local authority housing;
(2) what options for housing will be available to a homeless family accepted as being in priority need and not intentionally homeless for the 12-month period of the first temporary tenancy if they are still not entitled to a local authority home according to the waiting list, as a result of the statement on access to local authority housing.

§ Mr. Robert B. Jones
If such a family have no accommodation available which is suitable in terms of its general condition and in relation to the family's particular needs the Government's homelessness reforms propose that the local authority would have a recurring duty to arrange such accommodation.

§ Mr. Betts
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to consult further on matters contained in the statement on access to local authority housing; on which matters he will be consulting; with which organisations; and during which time period.

§ Mr. Robert B. Jones
My officials will be holding further discussions with local authority and housing association representatives, and other relevant organisations, both in preparation for legislation and in taking forward those matters which do not require legislation.

§ Mr. Betts
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how he intends to tighten up the code of guidance so that applications should be more thoroughly vetted following the statement on access to local authority housing.

§ Mr. Robert B. Jones
We intend to draw on current best practice among local housing authorities, to ensure that assistance goes to those applicants who are eligible for it.

§ Mr. Betts
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how he intends to modify the provisions on intentionality in the context of the statement on access to local authority housing.

§ Mr. Robert B. Jones
We are still considering this matter, in discussion with representatives of local authorities and other relevant organisations.

§ Mr. Betts
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what provisions are made under the proposals contained in the statement on access to local authority housing for a family accepted as homeless to be given a succession of temporary tenancies; and if it is intended that there will be a limit on the number o f such tenancies or the period of time they can last for individually or together.

§ Mr. Roberts B. Jones
The terms of the provisions will depend upon how the legislation is drafted. But the Government's intention is that the local authority would have a duty to find accommodation for an eligible homeless household for a minimum of 12 months, and if the household continues to need assistance the duty would recur. In practice, a tenancy arranged by the authority to14W discharge its duty might well last longer than 12 months. In many parts of the country the household would gain local authority or housing association accommodation via a waiting list within 12 months.