PROBATION AND BAIL HOSTELS

HL Deb 21 February 1994 vol 552 c37WA

Baroness Faithfull

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why 270 probation and bail hostels have been closed at a time when they are so greatly needed.

Earl Ferrers

The Government took the view, when undertaking the 1993 Public Expenditure Survey, that it would not be justifiable to maintain the number of approved hostel places previously planned, as they had been underused in a number of areas.

During 1993 the average occupancy rates did not exceed 70 per cent. There were about 900 vacancies at any one time. It was accordingly decided that 270 current places should be withdrawn. The total number of places remaining which will be available to the courts for next financial year, will be 2,560 by March 1995. This will be substantially higher than the total of 2,190 which was available in March 1991.