Lord Winstanleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What were the reasons for the closure of the Department of Employment's Resettlement Units at Fazackerly in Merseyside and Walkden in Greater Manchester, and what arrangements are being made to meet the needs of those previously dependent on these units.
§ Lord GlenarthurIt is our intention to review, on a regional basis, future provision for people without a settled way of life who until now have been accommodated in resettlement units run by this department. Particular account has been taken of the fact that some of the units, including Fazakerley and Walkden, are in a state which would require significant capital expenditure if their present role were to continue, and of the evidence that, despite the caring and conscientious work of the staff, the units have proved less successful in their stated role than smaller voluntary hostels directed to the same end.
In the light of these considerations we have now decided to work towards the gradual closure of resettlement units, in association with measures to promote the development of better alternative arrangements to meet the needs of people without a settled way of life.
Outside London, a process of regional consultation with voluntary organisations and local authorities is to be launched to identify alternative arrangements for resettling people. The aim will be the closure of the most dilapidated units over the next three years or so to avoid wasteful expenditure on them. The future of the other units outside London will be considered further in the light of proposals coming forward from the voluntary sector. The resources saved will be used to finance alternative schemes.
No action will be taken on the seven London resettlement units until the replacement scheme for the Camberwell unit is further advanced and their future will be reviewed later.
There will be full consultation with the trade unions about the effect of these changes on the staff of the resettlement units.