§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many families were living in bed and breakfast accommodation in(a) East Worthing and Shoreham and (b) West Sussex in each year since 1997. [73926]
§ Mr. McNultyThe East Worthing and Shoreham Parliamentary constituency is covered by Adur DC and part of Worthing DC. Information reported by these and other councils in West Sussex on the total number of households—including couples and single persons without children—accommodated in bed and breakfast units under statutory homelessness provisions at the end of March in each year since 1997 is summarised below.
Homeless Households in Bed and Breakfast Accommodation as at 31 March * Adur DC Worthing DC All DCs in West Sussex 1997 not reported 39 65 (estimated) 1998 5 47 79 1999 3 37 74 2000 3 37 74 2001 14 72 81 2002 17 18 128 Note:
* includes households accommodated pending completion of enquiries by the local authority.
Sources:
1997: PI(E) housing return (quarterly)
1998 onwards: Housing Investment Programme returns (annual)
Earlier this year the Government announced a new commitment to ensure that by March 2004 no family with children will be placed in B&B other than in an emergency, and even then for no more than 6 weeks. This was accompanied by changes in Housing Benefit subsidies to make leasing self-contained temporary accommodation more cost effective, and an additional £35 million to help local authorities find alternatives to B&B.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he last met the Director of the Homelessness Unit. [73927]
§ Mr. McNultyMy right hon. Friend, the Deputy Prime Minister regularly meets officials in the course of his official duties.
§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent estimate he has made of the level of homelessness; how he defines a homeless person; and if he will make a statement. [74658]
§ Mrs. Barbara RocheAt the end of June 2002 81,170 households in England were living in temporary accommodation, including over 6,500 families with children in bed and breakfast hotels, and around 600 people were sleeping rough on any one night.
298WUnder the homelessness legislation (Housing Act 1996), a person is "statutorily homeless" if they do not have accommodation which they have a legal right to live in, which is physically available to them and which it would be reasonable for them to continue to occupy.
In March 2002, the Homelessness Directorate published a report "More than a Roof", which outlined the Government's new approach to tackling homelessness funded by £125 million over this year. The Homelessness Act 2002 will also bring about radical change in the way that central and local government. and all other partners, work together to tackle homelessness. For the first time ever, local authorities will be required to carry out a review and develop a strategy for their area that prevents homelessness and provides solutions for people who are, or who may become homeless.
§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he is taking to tackle homelessness in rural areas. [73988]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Homelessness Directorate's report "More than a roof", sets out specific measures to tackle homelessness backed up by a £125 million investment over the next year. The Homelessness Directorate has provided a total of over £3.7 million to local authorities in rural areas over the next year to fund schemes such as mediation services for family and couples in relationship difficulties; additional support for women fleeing domestic violence; rent deposit guarantee schemes to help homeless people find housing in the private sector; court and landlord advice services to reduce evictions; and debt and welfare counselling to help people sustain their tenancies.