§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will make a statement on his plans for the long-term financial arrangements to compensate hostels which have lost income as a result of the income support changes introduced in April 1989;
(2) (a) on what date transitional payments direct to hostels will cease to be made and (b) what financial arrangements are to be brought in from the date when transitional payments cease.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardChanges to income support for hostel dwellers were introduced from 9 October 1989. The temporary arrangements for protecting hostels' income will cease from April 1991. After that date, the money being paid by the central unit will be transferred to other Departments to be channelled through existing funding sources. We expect to announce the detailed financial arrangements shortly.