§ 58. Mr. LeightonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to reduce the demand on homeless accommodation provided by the London borough of Newham.
§ Mrs. RoeWe are encouraging Newham to return to use as many as possible of its 2,500 empty dwellings by a combination of improved management and better targeting of resources. In 1987 we increased the HIP allocation by £1.2 million to enable 67 voids to be returned to use and provide 103 hostel places, all for homeless families. For 1988–89 we have increased Newham's initial HIP allocation to over £18 million with a further £3 million resources in prospect for estate action schemes.