§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received on the housing problems confronting young people leaving care; and what proposals he has to deal with these problems.
§ Mr. WhitneyI am not aware that any specific representations on this subject have been received in the Department in the last 12 months. I accept that accommodation is an important need for a number of young people leaving care, as was identified by the second report of the Social Services Committee. The "Child Care Law Review", published last September as a consultative document by the Government, proposes (paragraph 10.9)614W that local authorities should have a revised power to make contributions, including loans, to the cost of accommodation of those who are in care or who have left care; the Government are currently considering responses to that document. Questions on housing matters are primarily the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.