HC Deb 10 July 1992 vol 211 cc384-5W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will obtain from the Housing Corporation a report of its assessment as to whether the use of hostel deficit grant by the Ling Trust in Essex to purchase district health authority staff time in respect of the care of former residents of Turner Village mental handicap hospital is in accordance with the regulations governing the provision of such grants.

Mr. Baldry

The Housing Corporation has received a claim for hostel deficit grant in respect of nine schemes managed by the Ling Trust, including accommodation for former residents of Turner Village hospital. The claim is being considered and no grant has been paid.

Hostel deficit grant is payable in respect of deficits incurred by registered housing associations in the housing management of hostels. Welfare costs, such as the cost of care staff, are not eligible for grant and associations need to look to other agencies, such as local health or social services authorities or charities, to support such expenditure.