§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards the provision of homes for the homeless in the light of the information supplied to him by the London research centre in relation to the numbers of families placed in bed and breakfast accommodation by London boroughs; if he intends to take any additional steps to assist boroughs in meeting the needs of homeless families; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TraceyThe Government deplore the increase in the use by London boroughs of bed and breakfast hotels for the temporary accommodation of homeless households when there are still some 27,000 local authority-owned dwellings standing empty. The Department's own code of guidance to local authorities on this matter makes clear that bed and breakfast accommodation is to be used only in the last resort.
Resources are being made available through "Estate Action" (the urban housing renewal unit) to encourage local authorities to bring back into use empty dwellings on estates for the benefit of homeless families. Several schemes have already been approved in principle and further schemes are in the pipeline.
752WIn 1987–88 London boroughs will receive a HIP allocation of £386 million to use for purposes of housing provision and renovation, supplemented by a proportion of their capital receipts. They also stand to benefit from a share of a further £75 million of capital resources in support of housing projects worked up in conjunction with "Estate Action".
In 1987–88 the Housing Corporation will receive a national allocation of £685 million and an additional £20 million to generate between £45 million and £50 minim of additional private sector investment for priority work aimed at getting homeless families out of bed and breakfast hotels and at providing accommodation for young people moving to take up jobs in areas where there is a shortage of rented housing.
Recognising that there will also be a need for temporary accommodation for homeless families, local authorities have been invited to submit to the Department for consideration on their merits proposals to acquire properties suitable for use as hostels providing such temporary accommodation.
My hon. Friend the Minister for Housing, Urban Affairs and Construction has arranged a meeting with the local authority associations to discuss homelessness on 19 January.