§ Mr. RaynsfordTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to issue further guidance, and to amend existing guidance, to relevant authorities under the powers contained in section 71 of the Housing Act 1985.
§ Sir George YoungThe Government have consulted local housing authorities and other interested parties on proposals(a) to revise the third edition (1991) of the "Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities" in the light of the Court of Appeal's judgment in the case of R-v-Secretary of State for the Environment ex parte London borough of Tower Hamlets, and (b) to supplement the code by providing guidance on the housing provisions of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993. I intend to issue a revision of the code and a supplement to it in due course, taking account of the consultation responses.
§ Mr. RaynsfordTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to use his powers under section 59(2) of the Housing Act 1985 to vary the categories of persons defined as having a priority need for accommodation.
§ Sir George YoungWe have no plans to amend section 59(2) of the Housing Act 1985 by order.