§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What research has been done and what information they hold on the relationship between crime and single homeless people; and whether the experience of the USA and the republic of Ireland (where there is no lodging benefit for young people) indicates a connection.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Elton)A number of research studies in the last ten years have dealt with the question of homelessness and crime. They suggest that homelessness is a serious problem among offenders and one which is likely to increase the chances of reconviction. There is also evidence that among adult offenders homelessness and single status are closely related. There is, however, little clear-cut evidence that homelessness in itself causes crime. We have no information about the relationship between single homelessness and crime in other countries.