HC Deb 29 November 1994 vol 250 c645W
Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research he has done into the accuracy of homelessness data used by his Department in the standard spending assessment formula.

Mr. Robert B. Jones

The Department is currently undertaking research on the impact of the 1991 homelessness code of guidance. One of the areas covered by this research is the consistency of authorities' statistical returns.

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from local authorities about the accuracy and appropriateness of using homelessness figures as an indicator within the standard spending assessment formula.

Mr. Robert B. Jones

Since the 1994–95 settlement, the following local authorities have made representations on the use of homelessness data:

  • Coventry city council
  • Dudley metropolitan borough council
  • London borough of Newham
  • London borough of Hounslow
  • London borough of Islington
  • Avon county council
  • Barrow borough council