§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent assessment his Department has made of the scale of rough sleeping and homelessness among older people; and if he will make a statement. [2975]
§ Ms KeebleI have been asked to reply.
An analysis of statistical returns provided to the Housing Services Agency over the past six months indicates that around 20 per cent. of rough sleepers are over 50 years old.
Across the country older rough sleepers are able to access the majority of services funded by the Rough Sleepers Unit.
In central London specific contact and assessment team workers provide support to vulnerable older rough sleepers. The unit has also funded "Night Centres" to enable older rough sleepers who have been out on the streets for a number of years to accept gradually help to come inside permanently. "Night Centres" have opened in London, Bristol and Manchester over the last year.
There are a number of hostels specifically for older residents including St. Mungo's, Harrow Road and Bondway, Robertson Street. However, all hostels, day centres and emergency shelters that do not specifically cater for younger rough sleepers will work with a broad range of clients.
Under homelessness legislation, older people are also included in the groups that are treated as being in priority need of housing.