§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions have been held between his Department and local authority associations concerning the Children Act 1989 and its implementation for the need of asylum seekers' children following the implementation of the Social Security (Persons from Abroad) Miscellaneous Amendment Regulations; and if he will make a statement. [11079]
§ Mr. BowisThe implications of the benefit changes of asylum seekers and their children were discussed as part of a regular series of meetings between my officials and officers of the local authority associations. Discussions have continued informally. Department of Health and Department of the Environment officials are meeting the local authority associations to discuss details of a special grant which will assist local authorities with any unavoidable additional costs arising under homelessness legislation of the Children Act.