HC Deb 02 May 1975 vol 891 cc263-4W
Mr. Charles Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will relax the conditions of subsidy given by his Department to housing authorities to enable them to provide a major increase in housing accommodation for single people.

Mr. Freeson

I am consulting the local authority associations and other bodies concerned about the guidance I will shortly be issuing, setting out new and more flexible design standards and a cost yardstick for self-contained accommodation for single people. If the hon. Member has a particular point in mind perhaps he will write to me.

Mr. Charles Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue guidance to local housing authorities on safeguarding the growing need of single people for housing accommodation.

Mr. Freeson

The Department's Circular "Housing: Needs and Action", DOE 24/75, issued on 25th March stressed the need for an increase in the provision of housing by new construction and conversion for small households, including single people. It also encouraged local authorities to develop lodger schemes. I will shortly be issuing further advice setting out design standards and cost yardsticks for self-contained accommodation for single people of working age.

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