§ Mr. CongdonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has in respect of grants to homelessness voluntary organisations under section 73 of the Housing Act 1985; and if he will make a statement. [16138]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe section 73 grant programme continues to represent good value for money. Since 1990–91, it has been particularly successful in assisting a large number of single people to find and keep accommodation. Programme expenditure has grown from £2 million to £6.9 million in 1995–96 and the number of schemes funded has increased from 30 to 160.
For 1996–97, the Government have increased to £7.8 million the sum to be made available to voluntary organisations to help them to meet the running costs of practical schemes that assist single people in housing need. This means that, in addition to continuing to fund all eligible existing projects, we shall invite bids to start new schemes in 1996–97.