HL Deb 28 April 1986 vol 474 cc125-6WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the moratorium imposed by the Home Office on "topping-up" revenue support for new voluntary housing projects for ex-offenders will be lifted and why the revaluation factor for existing schemes is being set at half the current rate of inflation.

Lord Glenarthur

Officials are studying the case for devolving to the probation service the responsibilities for adminstering and financing the grants to voluntary after-care projects. My right honourable friend will take no decisions on long-term funding until the outcome of the study is known; but in 1986–87 existing grants will, exceptionally, be increased by 6.8 per cent., which is above the current rate of inflation.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have so far received about their proposals to devolve responsibility for voluntary housing schemes for ex-offenders from the House Office to 56 local probation services.

Lord Glenarthur

Representations have been received from 11 voluntary organisations, three honourable Members of another place and two other individuals. These representations generally express some reservations about the proposal and a wish for information and consultation, which we intend to meet by the issue of a discussion document shortly.