§ Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for grants to homelessness voluntary organisations under section 180 of the Housing Act 1996. [17264]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe successful grant programme established under section 73 of the Housing Act 1985 will be continued under section 180 of the 1996 Act. The grant 675W programme has been particularly successful in helping single, homeless people to find and keep accommodation, and it continues to represent good value for money.
For 1997–98, the Government have made available £7.9 million to assist voluntary sector organisations to meet the running costs of practical projects which help single people in housing need. In addition to continuing to fund all eligible existing projects, we shall be inviting bids from voluntary organisations to set up new projects in 1997–98.