HL Deb 31 July 1998 vol 592 cc311-2WA
Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will investigate the possibility that "silting up" in direct access hostels for the homeless might be reduced if help with deposits were available through the Social Fund. [HL2998]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)

It is important that people receive all the assistance possible to help the move out of short term hostels into permanent accommodation. Following the recent Social Exclusion Unit report we will be looking at ways of improving such help.

The Social Fund already helps such people through the provision of grants or loans for setting up home and rent in advance. Help with returnable deposits has been excluded because of concerns that landlords may be encouraged to either introduce or increase deposits.

The new simplified budgeting loan system to be introduced in April 1999 will allow claimants greater flexibility in borrowing to meet the costs of establishing a new home.