HC Deb 19 April 1995 vol 258 cc213-4W
Mr. McMaster

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement on the desirability of developing sheltered housing in the Foxbar area of Paisley to allow residents there to remain within the community; and if he will make a statement. [18991]

(2) what assessment criteria are used by Scottish Homes in determining the need for sheltered housing in communities; how the agency facilitates the development of sheltered housing by housing associations and co-operatives; and if he will make a statement, with specific reference to the Foxbar area of Paisley. [18992]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Housing for community care client groups, including elderly people, is a national priority for both local housing authorities and Scottish Homes and, wherever possible, housing initiatives should seek to maintain the existing social framework. However, the provision of sheltered housing, including its location, is decided by local housing authorities, working in partnership, as appropriate, with Scottish Homes, housing associations and other interests.

Scottish Homes issued a discussion paper, "Housing the Elderly in the 1990s", in May 1993. Scottish Homes is considering the responses to that paper and will publish a policy statement shortly. It is for Scottish Homes to assess its funding of individual housing association projects. I understand that the chairman, Sir James Mellon, has written recently to the hon. Member about plans for the Foxbar area and has offered briefing by local members of staff.

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