§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what grants his Department proposes to give to those organisations in the United Kingdom which will provide shelter and comfort to homeless people over the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungMy Department has made £96 million available over three years under the rough sleepers initiative in central London. This has provided 500 places in hostels, with another 400 to come; 500 bedspaces in flats and houses leased from private owners and 250 places—out of an anticipated 1,850—in permanent housing.
We are also providing grants under section 73 of the Housing Act 1985 to over 80 voluntary organisations in England for practical projects to prevent and relieve homelessness.
My officials are also in discussion with Single Homelessness in London about the provision of shelters for homeless people in central London this winter.
Responsibility for housing in Scotland and Wales lies with my right hon. Friends, the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales respectively.