§ Sir Irvine PatnickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken to reduce homelessness in Sheffield; and if he will make a statement. [4904]
§ Mr. ClappisonIn 1996–97, £7.8 million of grants are being paid under section 73 of the Housing Act 1985 to voluntary sector organisations which prevent or relieve homelessness. Of this, nearly £2 million funds the national Homelessness Advice Service, based on Citizens Advice Bureaux, which advises people who are homeless or potentially so. The service is available from four bureaux in Sheffield and at the specialist Sheffield debt support unit.
The remaining grant supports around 180 projects throughout England which offer direct practical help to single homeless people by finding accommodation and providing follow-up support. The Nomad advice centre in Sheffield, which helped over 170 people to find accommodation last year, will receive £25,780 this year.