§ Mrs Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he will provide the sum of £500,000 as a topping-up grant to enable housing associations to provide more hostel accommodation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungHousing associations can and do receive from local authorities grants and other forms of help for residents of hostels who need care and support, for example, the elderly, mentally handicapped and mentally ill people. National Health Service joint finance available to local authorities, which may be used, at their discretion, for such projects, is to be increased to £68.5 million in 1981–82 and £71.2 million in 1982–83.
In addition, discussions are in train between this Department and the Department of the Environment on the provision of hostels and associated care and support, particularly in the context of developing alternative provision in London before Camberwell resettlement unit is closed in 1985.