§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what financial provision is to be made to local authorities to provide for funding homes for released short-term prisoners and their families following housing benefit reductions imposed upon them; [16429]
(2) what guidelines he is issuing to local authorities regarding the reductions in housing benefit for short-term prisoners; and if he will make a statement. [16340]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonIt is for local housing authorities in the first instance to consider housing need within their areas in conjunction with other relevant bodies. Similarly, social work authorities should assess the need for social work support and residential accommodation. The Department of Social Security issued guidance to local authorities on 10 March on the new benefit regulations affecting, among others, short-term prisoners.