§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of growing concern in many London boroughs about the operation of the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977, he will bring forward proposals for its amendment.
§ Mr. StanleyAs my hon. Friend is aware, we are reviewing the operation of the Act and the associated code of guidance to see whether changes may be necessary. Careful consideration will be given to the views that have been put forward by the London boroughs together with the other representations that we have received.
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS ACCEPTED AS HOMELESS WHO LOST THEIR LAST ACCOMMODATION BECAUSE OF MORTGAGE DEFAULT—ENGLAND Year One-parent families Two-parent families Other households Total households 1975 … … 400 1,500 100 2,003 1976 … … 600 1,900 200 2,700 1977 … … 700 2,000 200 2,900 1978 … … 700 1,600 300 2,600 First half 1979 … … 400 700 100 1,100 Second half 1979 … … 300 600 100 900 Results for 1975–77 are not collected on the same basis as those for later years and are therefore not comparable. Because of rounding, component figures may not agree with the total shown.