§ 23. Mr. Aitkenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what savings he expects to make in his Department's expenditure on supplementary benefit provision for board and lodgings claimants; and if he will make a statement.
§ 24. Mr. Batisteasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to check that charges made by private residential homes are reasonable.
§ Mr. NewtonMy right hon. Friend hopes to publish proposals for consultation shortly.
§ 25. Mr. Malinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider introducing legislation to require either officers of the Department of Health and Social Security or local authorities to inspect board and lodging and hotel accommodation for the homeless to ensure satisfactory standards as a pre-condition of the Department of Health and Social Security making grants for such board and lodgings.
§ Mr. NewtonLocal authorities already have powers under housing legislation to inspect houses in multiple occupation and enforce standards. They also have a wide range of powers in relation to hotels, under the Public Health Act 1936, the Food and Drugs Act 1955, and the Fire Precautions Act 1971.
460WIt is for the individual supplementary benefit claimant to find his own accommodation. If the only lodgings he is able to find are of a poor standard, he will nonetheless be paid sufficient benefit to enable him to meet a reasonable charge. Where, however, DHSS staff become aware of an establishment which gives cause for concern, they are expected to draw it to the attention of the local authority so that appropriate action can be taken.