HC Deb 12 November 1987 vol 122 cc194-5W
Ms. Richardson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made as to whether the proposed development in the London borough of Barking and Dagenham by Westminster city council of mobile homes to house homeless people from the latter authority will affect the rate support grant of either borough.

Mr. Howard

My right hon. Friend has made no such assessment. If the scheme goes ahead there would under the present system be a small effect on the rate support grant payable to Barking and Dagenham due to changes in its population and rateable values. At present, Westminster city council receives no block grant and it is not possible to say whether the proposed scheme would change that position.

Ms. Richardson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance his Department gives to local authorities concerning the resettlement of homeless persons outside their own borough.

Mr. Waldegrave

None; but general guidance on accommodation for the homeless is given in our code of guidance on the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 (now part III of the Housing Act 1985). A copy is in the Library.