§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received representations from local authorities on problems arising from the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977; to what extent these representations relate to the shortage of suitable accommodation to carry out the requirements of the Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonRepresentations have been received from a number of local housing authorities on particular matters relating to the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977. A few have referred to the availability of accommodation. We have drawn authorities' attention to the steps open to them to secure the fullest possible use of accommodation in their areas. The code of guidance, associated with the Act and circular 76/77—Better Use of Vacant and Under-Occupied Housing—set out a number of measures. We have also had regard to levels of homelessness as one factor in making capital allocations for housing purposes. However, if any authority needs a larger allocation specifically to provide additional dwellings for the homeless, it should contact its regional office quickly.
This Department has invited the local authority associations to comment in the light of their members' experience on the working of the Act and the code of guidance. We are currently awaiting their replies.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any evidence of those on housing waiting lists being disadvantaged by the provisions of the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonRepresentations have been received from a few housing authorities that the number of lettings available to meet the needs of those at the top of the waiting list has been reduced because of lettings to homeless people. I578W believe that it was Parliament's intention in passing this Act, with substantial all-party support, to ensure that accommodation was indeed available to those in priority need who were without shelter. There are a number of ways in which authorities can fulfil their obligations under the Act. It does not necessarily require the allocation of a council house, though that will often be the appropriate solution. Where a local authority dwelling is allocated, the effect on the waiting list will not necessarily be clear. Many authorities have a well honoured practice of affording priority to those who are homeless and, I believe, most of those accepted by authorities are either already on their waiting list or eligible to be so.