§ Mr. Piketo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much the Government have spent on projects for rough sleepers since the introduction of the rough sleepers initiative; and what is the number and capacity of hostels created under the initiative in(a) London and (b) the rest of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesUnder the rough sleepers initiative the Government are spending £182 million over the period 1990–96 with the aim of making it unnecessary for people to sleep rough on the streets of central London. The bulk of these resources have been channelled through the Housing Corporation to enable housing associations to develop at least 3,300 places in permanent accommodation in flats and houses. The initiative has also funded 950 places in 25 temporary hostels and night shelters in London. In addition, the initiative has funded 700 places in properties leased for up to three years from private sector landlords, an annual winter shelter programme and outreach, resettlement and other support services. No hostel provision has been funded under this initiative outside London.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to extend the rough sleepers initiative to cover(a) Greater London and (b) other towns and cities.
§ Mr. CurryNone. The rough sleepers initiative focuses available resources on central London because that is where the greatest concentrations of people sleep rough. Part of the success of this initiative has stemmed from encouraging close links between statutory and voluntary sector agencies. Local authorities outside central London are encouraged to follow this model in devising their strategies to help people sleeping rough within their area.