§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements are made in each of the London boroughs for the single homeless; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungLocal authorities have a duty under the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 to house people 253W in priority need, including certain categories of single people, and to give advice and assistance to others. There are hostels for the single homeless in nearly all the London boroughs, although the available bedspaces are mainly concentrated in the inner areas.
Under its hostels initiative, the Government have sponsored a major expansion in the provision of modern hostels for special needs groups including the single homeless.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations he has received from voluntary organisations working with the single homeless in London; and how many have informed him that they consider the voluntary arrangements between the London boroughs advocated by the Government an adequate replacement for the co-ordinating work undertaken by the Greater London council;
(2) how many voluntary organisations concerned with single homelessness in London have commented on the Government's plans to abolish the Greater London council; and how many of the organisations responding indicated support for the Government's proposals.
§ Sir George YoungI must ask the hon. Member to await the summary analysis of the main points arising from consultation.