HC Deb 31 January 1996 vol 270 c790W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the average number of homeless people in England and Wales for each of the years(a) 1980, (b) 1985, (c) 1990, (d) 1992, (e) 1993, (f) 1994 and (g) 1995; and if he will make a statement. [12458]

Mr. Clappison

The numbers of households for which local authorities in England accepted responsibility to secure accommodation under the homelessness provisions of the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 and the Housing Act 1985 in the years, requested were as follows:

Number
19801 60,400
1985 91,010
1990 140,350
1992 142,890
1993 132,380
1994 122,660
1995 (January-September only) 92,650

Note:

1This figure is not strictly comparable with those for the later years because of changes to reporting arrangements made in 1980 (for non-metropolitan districts) and 1982 (for London boroughs and metropolitan districts).

Source:

Quarterly P1(E) returns.

For information in relation to Wales, I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.