HC Deb 28 January 1976 vol 904 cc195-6W
Sir Thomas Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total public expenditure on accommodation for the homeless (i) in special units of accommodation and (ii) in hotel or hostel accommodation in (a) the areas controlled by the Cheshire County Council and (b) in each separate district authority in Cheshire during the periods October 1974 to April 1975 and April to October 1975, respectively.

Mr. Armstrong

The information is not readily available to central Government and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Sir Thomas Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many requests for assistance were made by homeless families to the Warrington District Council Housing Authority between (a) April 1974 to April 1975 and (b) April to October 1975 and with what results.

Mr. Armstrong

Statistics about homeless people were collected from social services authorities—counties and metropolitan districts—by the Department of Health and Social Security until 31st December 1974. Since 1st January 1975 figures have been collected by my Department from housing authorities, and the first results from the new system will be available shortly. Figures for Warrington District Council for the periods requested are not therefore readily available, but as they are I shall write to my hon. and learned Friend with information about the position in warrington.

Sir Thomas Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many homeless families have been provided with bed and breakfast accommodation for over a month since January 1974 (a) in Cheshire and (b) in the Warrington district.

Mr. Armstrong

There are at present 19 families in Cheshire—none in Warrington district—being provided with bed and breakfast accommodation who have been in it for over a month. Further details, including information about the position in the past, could be sought from the local authorities responsible.