§ Mr. Yeoasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish the report on housing for mentally ill and mentally handicapped people.
§ Sir George YoungMy Department is publishing today a report entitled "Housing for Mentally Ill and Mentally Handicapped People". It gives for the first time a profile of the amount and type of housing accommodation currently provided by local authorities, housing associations and voluntary organisations thoughout the country. On the basis of case studies of selected schemes the report also reviews how the different types of accommodation, such as group homes, hostels and cluster units, are organised managed and used.
Schemes providing accommodation for over 5,000 people were identified, some two thirds in housing department properties 28 per cent. in housing association properties and 6 per cent. in properties owned by voluntary organisations. The detailed case studies set out the experience of the providers on such issues as location and neighbourhood, acquisition of properties, type of accommodation and living arrangements, organisation and management, tenancy arrangements costs, and selection, preparation and support of residents.
The study suggests that though considerable progress has been made in providing community based housing for mentally ill and mentally handicapped people, there is still need for more. Fortunately many more schemes are in the pipeline.
I hope that all those considering initiatives to house mentally ill and mentally handicapped people will read this report and find it of practical value. Copies of the report have been place in the Library and are being distributed widely to local authorities, housing associations and voluntary bodies.