§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy that local authorities receive a sum in their budget to cover the estimated costs of treatment to homeless people in the area; and if he will take steps to ensure that this allocation will be used to secure services suitable for, and available to, homeless people.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 11 December 1989: No. It is for the relevant statutory authorities to ensure that appropriate health and personal social services are provided within their resources and in the light of their assessment of local needs. The Department has, however, taken several central initiatives, including the funding of voluntary organisations helping the homeless and of two projects in London designed to promote new models of primary care for homeless people. An evaluation of the projects has been drawn to the attention of all health authorities, local authorities and family practitioner committees.