HC Deb 24 April 1985 vol 77 cc484-5W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what evidence he bases his conclusion that the closure of the Fazakerley resettlement unit will not mean that homeless men have to sleep rough.

Mr. Whitney

Before the closure of Fazakerley resettlement unit, the needs of the users will be assessed and the process of regional consultation will result in recommendations for funding the type of accommodation and services that meet those needs to ensure that no-one need be made homeless as a result of this closure.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much has been spent on refurbishment at Fazakerley re-establishment and resettlement units since November 1981.

Mr. Whitney

Over £67,000 was spent on refurbishment at the Fazakerley resettlement unit and reestablishment centre in the financial years 1981–82, 1982–83 and 1983–84. Equivalent figures are not available in respect of the exact period required.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many men were referred to Fazakerley reestablishment centre in 1984 by each of his Department's offices (a) in the north-west, (b) on Merseyside and (c) in total.

Mr. Whitney

The number of men referred to the Fazakerley re-establishment centre in 1984 by the Department's offices on Merseyside is shown in the table. There were no referrals by any of the Department's offices outside Merseyside.

Offices Number referred
Liverpool (Crosby) ILO 12
Liverpool (Edge Hill) ILO 13
Liverpool (Hisyton) ILO 6
Liverpool (Norris Green) AO 1
Liverpool (Kirkby) ILO 1
Liverpool (Toxteth) ILO 1
St. Helens ILO 6

Offices Number referred
Southport ILO 1
Widnes ILO 1
Skelmersdale ILO 1
Total 43

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if it remains the view of his Department that the Fazakerley re-establishment and resettlement unit has buildings, pavings and roads that are in good condition and can be used until at least 1995.

Mr. Whitney

Yes. A survey conducted by the Property Services Agency in 1981 indicated that the buildings, roads and pavings at Fazakerley resettlement unit and re-establishment centre were in good condition and could be used until at least 1995 providing that maintenance continued at the then level. Maintenance has been continued at that level, thereby sustaining the position.