§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what are his estimates of the effects of the abolition of the hostel deficit grant on the occupancy of hostels which have been in receipt of the grant;
(2) what are his estimates of the effects of the proposed abolition of the hostel deficit grant on the cash flow position of small voluntary groups running hostels;
(3) what are his estimates of the effects of the proposed abolition of the hostel deficit grant on the financial position of voluntary organisations responsible for the management of special needs housing and hostels;
(4) what plans he has for consulting voluntary organisations directly responsible for the management of special needs, housing and hostels over the proposed abolition of the hostel deficit grant;
(5) what transitional arrangements are planned following the proposed abolition of the hostel deficit grant.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend has no plans to abolish hostel deficit grant. The Housing Bill will enable payments of such grant to continue as a form of revenue support for registered housing associations.
§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations will be held on redesigning the hostel finance system and reassessing proposed board and lodging ceilings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveWe intend to issue a consultation paper on possible future arrangements for the funding of hostels run by registered housing associations. The paper will be widely distributed and the views of interested organisations and individuals will be welcome.
Board and lodging payment levels are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.