HC Deb 14 December 1988 vol 143 cc617-8W
38. Mr. Eastham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the causes of the increase in the numbers of families accepted as homeless by local authorities since 1983.

Mr. Trippier

Estimates of the number of households accepted by local authorities in England under the homelessness provisions of the Housing Act broken down by the immediate reasons for homelessness are as follows:

thousands
Immediate reason for homelessness 1983 1987
Parents, relatives or friends no longer able/willing to accommodate 32.2 47. 3
Breakdown of relationship with partner 15.3 20.2
Mortgage arrears 4.8 10.5
Rent arrears—LA dwellings 1.8 2.0
Rent arrears—other dwelling 1.7 1.8
Other reasons for loss of non-LA dwelling 8.3 10.6
Loss of service tenancy/tied accommodation 4.4 4.8
Other 9.8 15.2
TOTAL 78.2 112.4