§ Sir Hugh Rossiasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will amend the code of guidance so as to advise local authorities to treat residence in long stay mental hospitals as creating a local connection for the purposes of the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 as persons are discharged from such hospitals in pursuance of policies outlined in the Department of Health and Social Security document "Care in the Community".
§ Sir George YoungPatients in mental hospitals are, under the Act, only precluded from qualifying as having a local connection with the area by reason of residence if they are detained under the Mental Health Act 1959 or other legislation. In these circumstances it remains open to an authority to take the view that they do so qualify because of their special circumstances. My Department monitors the working of the Act but my right hon. Friend has at present no plans to revise the code of guidance in this respect.
The provision of accommodation for ex-patients will be facilitated by the powers of health authorities under the Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983 to meet the full costs.
§ Sir Hugh Rossiasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the implementation by local housing authorities of the code of guidance, second edition, issued by him under the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977; and if he contemplates taking any action in respect of those who consistently fall short of the required standards.
§ Sir George YoungThe revised code of guidance was issued in July 1983 and I have no evidence that authorities are not having regard to it as required by section 12(1) of the Act. My Department monitors the general working of the Act and further guidance will be issued to authorities if this proves necessary.
§ Sir Hugh Rossiasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will collect and publish details of the numbers of categories of homeless persons who apply to local authorities for, but who do not receive, offers of assistance under the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977.
§ Sir George YoungMy Department has no plans to publish the numbers referred to or to collect more detailed information.
§ Sir Hugh Rossiasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that local authorities are having proper regard to the needs of the mentally ill and disabled in the discharge of their obligations under the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 and that there is sufficient liaison between housing departments and personal social services departments of such authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungI have no reason to suppose that authorities are not fulfilling their duties under the Act in respect of the mentally ill and disabled, who are included 89W within the priority categories. The importance of cooperation between housing and social services authorities was stressed in the revised code of guidance issued last July.