Resettlement Units (Hansard, 12 January 1993)

§ Miss Widdecombe

The management of the Resettlement Agency is a matter for Mr Tony Ward, the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.

Letter from Tony Ward to Mr. John Battle, dated 12 January 1993: I am writing in response to the four questions that you have recently asked about the business of the Resettlement Agency of which I am the Chief Executive. Your first question asked, "What is the current timetable for the transfers of each of the Department of Social Security Resettlement Units to independent landlords? Our first exercise to dispose of the resettlement units at Camden in London, and Newbury in Berkshire should be completed by 31 March 1993. At that time this Agency will cease to have any operational responsibility for the units and they will be disposed of to two separate voluntary organisations. We have not yet decided the exact timescales for the nine remaining units which will be subject to similar processes. However, provisional planning is that at least four will be disposed of by the end of March 1994, and at least a further four by the end of March 1995. Your second question asked, "What are the plans for units that are specifically excluded from the transfer programme for resettlement units? Only two of our resettlement units fall into this category, namely Bishopbriggs in Scotland and Leeds. Bishopbriggs is certain to be replaced by other hostel provision. We are, as yet, undecided about the prospects for our unit at Leeds. We are currently considering ways in which the unit could be modernised, but if this is not a practical option then the unit would be replaced by other facilities. Your third question asked about the guarantees, "that there will be continued revenue for each transferred resettlement unit and any associated replacement provision? The current intention is that revenue funding will continue for those organisations which the Agency currently funds, and in the future might fund. However, funding is subject to monitoring arrangements which aim to ensure that the care standards are adequate, that the conditions of grant award are within the legislation, and that the facilities are managed in a way which provides value for money. Providing these conditions are met and subject to overall Government policy, I expect funding to continue. Your fourth question asked, "What provision is being made for appropriate replacement accommodation and permanent move-on accommodation for single homeless people currently resident in DSS Resettlement Units?" (RUs). Only two RUs are currently in the process of being replaced. These are the 80 bed unit at Southampton and the 64 bed unit at Stormy Down in South Wales. At Southampton, by 1 April 1993 the replacement provision will consist of 136 beds at various locations in the region. In South Wales the replacement provision will consist of 65 beds, and an additional 14 beds where we provide financial support. 702W As I have indicated earlier, the remaining units will mainly be handed over to other organisations and the residents will not be adversely affected by this process. If you require any further information or advice on my answers to your questions please let me know.