HC Deb 10 January 1978 vol 941 cc697-8W
Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of the men currently residing in the Camberwell Reception Centre, London, S.E.15, are, in the opinion of the Supplementary Benefits Commission, eligible for (a) residential accommodation under Section 21(1)(a) of the National Assistance Act 1948, or (b) housing accommodation under Sections 1 to 4 of the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977.

Mr. Deakins

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 16th December 1977; Vol. 941, c. 599], gave the following information:

The situation varies from night to night, but on 29th November 1977, the latest date for which information is available, there were 318 men resident in the Camberwell Reception Centre of whom 117 were, in the opinion of the Supplementary Benefits Commission, eligible for residential accommodation under Section 21(1)(a) of the National Assistance Act 1948. A further 195 men who sought admission on that night were also accommodated, but their posible eligibility for local authority residential accommodation was not established. All of the 513 men accommodated on that night had been homeless prior to their admission; subject to any arrangements made for their accommodation before they left the centre they would again be homeless on discharge and thus, in the opinion of the Supplementary Benefits Commission, would be justified in applying to a housing authority for housing accommodation, or assistance in obtaining housing accommodation, under Sections 1 to 4 of the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977.

Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements the Supplementary Benefits Commission has established with relevant local authorities to enable those so eligible to secure such accommodation from the reception centre.

Mr. Deakins

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 16th December 1977; Vol. 941, c. 599], gave the following information:

No formal arrangements exist. The Supplementary Benefits Commission's policy is to seek the co-operation of the appropriate local housing and social services authorities in providing suitable long-term accommodation for men and women using reception centres.