HC Deb 05 February 1990 vol 166 cc426-7W
90. Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to extend the priority need category of homeless to include those aged 18 years and under.

Mr. Chope

Our review of the homeless legislation concluded that the existing priority need categories were adequate and appropriate to cover the homeless in genuine need. Decisions are for local authorities; they must judge whether young people aged 18 or under are in priority need.

Mr. Janner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Enviroment if he will make a statement on progress in the allocation of £250 million for the homeless and the relief of homelessness.

Mr. Chope

[holding answer I February 1990]: Of the £250 million additional resources announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 15 November, £148 million will be made available for schemes to relieve homelessness in London and the south-east in 1990–91 and £102 million in 1991–92. Housing associations were invited to submit bids for 1990–91 to the Housing Corporation by 22 January and local authorities to my Department by 31 January. The applications are now being assessed and decisions will be issued before the start of the next financial year. A total of £112 million will be allocated to local authority schemes and £36 million to housing associations.

Mr. Hawkins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps the Government are taking to reduce the problem of homelessness, especially among young people and those with a record of mental illness; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

Following our review of the homelessness legislation, additional resources of £250 million are being made available in those areas with the greatest homelessness pressures, in particular to reduce the numbers in bed and breakfast. Local authorities have a duty to secure accommodation for those homeless whom they deem to be vulnerable as a result of mental illness or other special reason, including young people, and some of the additional resources will go to assist these groups. The problems young homeless people face are often complex and are addressed by a range of Government policies. Departments are now looking at how these work together to ensure appropriate assistance is available.