HC Deb 02 December 1987 vol 123 c619W
19. Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to the answer of 15 July,Official Report, columns 1126–28, what progress has been made with the Government's proposals for dealing with the problem of homelessness in London; and if he will make a statement.

59. Miss Mowlam

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what new proposals he has for dealing with the problem of homelessness in England and Wales.

Mr. Waldegrave

I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave today to the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey.

33. Mr. Michael J. Martin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many Government-owned properties are leased to local authorities for use as accommodation for the homeless; and what steps he is taking to increase this number.

Mr. Chope

276 properties amongst those for which my right hon. Friend has responsibility are temporarily let to local authorities to meet housing needs.

Excluding property being sold, 6.5 per cent. of the housing stock for which my right hon. Friend is responsible has remained empty for six months. This includes dwellings undergoing renovation.

My right hon. Friend's policy is to sell property which is surplus to Government requirements, usually on the open market.

57. Mr. George Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate of the number of homeless people currently being housed by local authorities in England.

Mr. Waldegrave

In the second quarter of 1987, local authorities in England accepted responsibility for securing accommodation (not necessarily in council-owned property) for an estimated 26,440 households, under the homelessness provisions of the 1985 Housing Act.

66. Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any proposals to bring council properties that are empty and awaiting sale into use for homeless people; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given earlier today to the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes). Circular 12/85 advises local authorities on the temporary use of property by homeless people.