§ Lord HYLTONasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they and local authorities are taking to ensure that occupants of hostels and houses in multiple-occupation are rehoused or find alternative accommodation when such premises are closed; and whether they agree that this 1475WA problem is a serious one in London and affects people whose capacity for self-help is often limited.
§ Lord BELLWINWhen major hostel closures are threatened, local authorities assess the needs of the residents and help them to resettle into other hostels, independent accommodation and caring institutions according to their needs. My department is represented on a working party overseeing one rehousing project in London and is monitoring the progress of this and other projects. Local authorities have a duty to find accommodation for homeless people who are vulnerable because of old age, mental illness or handicap or physical disability, or who are displaced by a closing order.