§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average cost to public funds of a place in a voluntary after-care hostel.
§ Mr. MellorThe information is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. In addition to grant from the Home Office towards the revenue costs of places in the voluntary after-care scheme, which averages about £1,000 a year per place, some projects receive capital and revenue funding from other Government Departments. Also, many residents receive social security benefits to meet the cost of hostel charges; the probation service makes an unquantifiable contribution to the management of these places; and projects run by voluntary organisations with charitable status may receive some tax benefit.