§ 54. Mr. SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will bring forward proposals to amend the benefit regulations with a view to reducing homelessness amongst those under 25 years.
147W
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardHomelessness has many complex causes and it would be wrong to relate it directly to the benefit system which still enables those who are homeless to secure and retain accommodation.
§ Mr. TredinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he has any proposals to increase financial support for young single homeless people.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardA wide range of benefits continues to be available to young single homeless people. These benefits are to be increased from April 1990 under the usual uprating arrangements. In addition, I announced today measures which will ensure that special arrangements are made in local social security offices for dealing with income support claims from 16 to 17-year-olds. In particular, all 16 to 17-year-olds will be automatically considered for special hardship payments if they are not otherwise entitled. Details have been placed in the Library.