§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he will implement the recommendation of the Social Security Advisory Committee concerning a concerted approach by all the agencies involved, including the health, social services and housing departments, to achieve a permanent solution to the needs of homeless people dependent on temporary board and lodging accommodation.
§ Mr. NewtonThe new regulations on supplementary benefit for board and lodging which will operate from 29 April are designed to ensure that payments go only to those who need them and that the benefit system does not stimulate the provision of inappropriate board and lodging accommodation. We shall continue to do everything possible to support the efforts of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment to overcome housing problems, and to encourage health and social services departments to co-operate with housing departments at the local level.