Hostels (Hansard, 28 October 1992)

§ Mr. David Howell
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current cost level for repairs, additions or equipment in a hostel site which represents the dividing line between his Department's capital grant and operational expenditure.

§ Mr. Jack
Major refurbishment works, new building or extension costs, and the purchase of specific items of equipment which are expected to be in use for a number of years attract capital grant. The operational or revenue budget covers more basic redecoration and routine maintenance and the purchase of smaller items. There are items which from time to time do not easily fall into either of these categories and where judgments are made on a case by case basis as to the most appropriate form of funding.

§ Mr. David Howell
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances a probation hostel or a bail hostel can refuse to accept as a resident a person whom the court wishes to let out on bail.

§ Mr. Jack
The Approved Probation and Bail Hostel Rules 1976 provide that, once a court has granted bail subject to a condition of residence in an approved hostel, admission can be refused only if there is no place available; or if the person falls outside the categories for which the hostel is approved; or if the defendant is suffering from severe subnormality or a psychopathic disorder; or with the consent of the Secretary of State.
Before the court reaches its decision, a probation officer may, through advice to the court, indicate that, in the circumstances of the individual case, a defendant would not be suitable for a place in an approved hostel, in line with the considerations set out in paragraph 16 of the "National Standard for the Management of Approved Probation and Bail Hostels". I will send my right hon. Friend a copy of the relevant section of these standards.

§ Mr. Michael
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff are normally on duty in probation and bail hostels in England and Wales(a) from 6 pm till midnight, (b) from midnight till 6 am and (c) at weekends.

§ Mr. Jack
[holding answer 27 October 1992]: All approved probation and bail hostels in England and Wales have 24-hour a day staff cover. The funding of a number of hostels was increased this year to ensure that there is provision for at least two members of staff to be on duty at night in any hostel. Since the deployment of staff is a matter for probation or voluntary management commit-tees, detailed information on staff rotas is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.