HC Deb 11 June 2003 vol 406 cc935-6W
Bob Spink

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many single(a) women and (b) men were housed in bed and breakfasts (i) in each of the last five years for which figures exist and (ii) on 1 April 2003. [117995]

Mrs. Roche

Estimates of the type of homeless household in bed and breakfast accommodation have only been made from 31 March 2001. The available estimates for the number of single homeless women and men in bed and breakfast accommodation in England is shown in the following table:

Estimates of number of single homeless women and men in bed and breakfast accommodation in England
Women Men
31 March 2001 1,520 3,250
31 March 2002 1,760 3,430

Note:

Figures for March 2002 include hotel annexe accommodation where some or all basic facilities are shared.

Source:

ODPM P1(E) Annual Supplement housing return

Bob Spink

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what funds were made available for Castle Point borough council to eradicate bed and breakfast housing for families by 31 March. [117997]

Mrs. Roche

Castle Point borough council has been allocated £25,000 in 200304 specifically to help the authority reduce the number of homeless families with children in Bed and Breakfast hotels (B&B). This is in addition to the £20,000 allocated to the authority by the Homelessness Directorate to assist the council deliver an effective homelessness service including meeting the national commitment of ensuring that by March 2004, no homeless family with children is placed in B&B other than in an emergency and even then for no more than six weeks.