§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much public money is currently spent in each English region to provide emergency hostels for the homeless; and what is the percentage breakdown of that spending between central and local government.
§ Sir George YoungThe information requested is not available to the Department. However, under the Government's hostels initiative, the Housing Corporation has provided for the approval in 1983–84 of housing association hostel and shared housing schemes with a total value of over £50 million. The single homeless and other groups with special needs will benefit from this funding, which is divided between the regions as follows:
£ million London 35.4 West 3.8 East Midlands 2.8 West Midlands 2.6 North East 4.7 North West 2.1 Merseyside 1.3
§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will assess the number of 16 to 19-year-olds who are currently homeless in each English region.
§ Sir George YoungThe information on which to base an assessment is not available.
§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for the Home Environment if he will review the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977, with a view to requiring local authorities to secure accommodation for all homeless people.
§ Sir George YoungNo. Under the Act local authorities have a duty to secure accommodation for those in priority need. For other people accepted as homeless their duty is to give advice and appropriate assistance. In our code of guidance on the Act, we have asked authorities to interpret this latter duty as generously as resources permit. The Act was reviewed in 1982 and my right hon. Friend has no plans for a further review at this stage.