§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what survey has been undertaken by his Department to find out the reasons for the present increase in homelessness in greater London.
§ Mr. DeanNo special survey has been undertaken since information about the main reasons for new applications to London Boroughs for accommodation because of actual or potential homelessness is collected quarterly. Figures for 145W last September quarter (the latest available) and the corresponding quarters in
New applications during quarter ending September 1970 September 1971 September 1972 A. ACTION TAKEN BY LANDLORD—other than local authority: (i) By Court Order for: (a) Rent arrears 242 220 213 (b) Landlord wanted accommodation for use of self or family 118 110 228 (c) Service contract ended 36 25 76 (d) Landlord defaulted on mortgage 56 40 27 (e)Other reasons 173 185 336 Total 625 580 880 (ii) Actions other than Court Order: (a) Authorised increase in rent — 3 2 (b)Illegal increase in rent 4 4 3 (c) Harassment 106 107 104 (d) Other reasons 181 197 187 Total 291 311 296 B. LOCAL AUTHORITY ACTION: (i) As a Landlord: (a) Rent arrears 167 152 167 (b) Service contract ended 7 7 3 (c) Other reasons 35 40 23 (ii) Otherwise (e.g. notices served on landlord under Public Health Acts or Housing Acts, dangerous structures, major repairs, Compulsory Purchase Orders, Management Orders) 39 29 38 Total 248 228 231 C. OTHER REASONS: (a) Unauthorised occupants 351 343 404 (b)Family disputes: (i) Between husband and wife or cohabitees 276 243 324 (ii) Involving other relatives 196 197 363 (c) Fire, flood and storm 38 40 43 (d) From hotel or other similar accommodation 43 44 55 (e) New to area-arrived during the reporting period (including persons repatriated from overseas) 200 271 283 (f) Other reasons 351 310 250 Total 1,455 1,448 1,722 D. TOTAL APPLICATIONS 2,619 2,567 3,129