§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the financial support available from(a) his Department and (b) elsewhere for the rough sleepers initiative in 1995–96; and what changes will take place to this support in 1996–97. [21688]
§ Mr. ClappisonIn 1995–96, my Department has made available revenue funding of £5.479 million in support of the rough sleepers initiative; and the Housing Corporation has made available capital funding of £24.862 million and revenue funding of £1.9 million for the provision and management of permanent move-on accommodation. Plans for the third phase—1996–99—of the initiative are set out in the strategy paper issued on 4 March 1996. Housing associations and voluntary sector organisations working with rough sleepers are being invited to bid for further resources of £73 million being made available by my Department over this three year period. This financial support will be complemented by £4.2 million for each of the next three years being made available by the Department of Health to continue and develop the homeless mentally ill initiative.