Sheltered and Supported Housing

HC Deb 18 May 1995 vol 260 cc320-1W

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he and his ministerial colleagues have made of the savings to the Exchequer that voluntary organisations provide with sheltered and supported housing. [24026]

Mr. Robert B. Jones

Two of the key voluntary providers of sheltered and supported housing are the Abbeyfield societies and almshouses. In 1990 their housing stock represented 1 per cent. and 3 per cent. respectively of the total sheltered and supported rented housing available for elderly people. Research published last year by the Department¹ found that 28 per cent. of Abbeyfield societies and 100 per cent. of almshouses capital costs were met from non-exchequer sources. Seven per cent. of Abbeyfield and 25 per cent. of almshouses revenue costs were also met from non-exchequer sources. 1 "Living Independently—A study of the Housing Needs of elderly and disabled people", HMSO 1994.