§ Mr. HumeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what specific legislative powers currently exist for the provision of grant-aid to voluntary organisations providing emergency accommodation for the single homeless; and if he will make a statement indicating Government intentions regarding these powers.
§ Mrs. RoeSection 73 of the Housing Act 1985 empowers my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and local housing authorities to give grants to voluntary organisations concerned with homelessness. My right hon. Friend has no plans to amend it.
In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has powers under schedule 5 to the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976 to give grants to voluntary organisations for providing temporary temporary board and lodging to people without a settled way of life. The provision of emergency accommodation by voluntary organisations may also be assisted, directly or indirectly, under more general powers such as the Local Government Grants (Social Need) Act 1969, the Housing Associations Act 1985, and the Local Government Act 1988.