§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many and what percentage of identified young vulnerable people leaving care are(a) eligible for and (b) granted (i) temporary and (ii) permanent housing; and if he will make a statement. [12809]
§ Mr. ClappisonDuring the 12 months to 30 September 1996, 3,540 households containing a vulnerable young person were accepted as statutorily homeless by local housing authorities in England. Information is not held centrally either about the number of young care leavers in this category or about the type of accommodation provided. Under part VII of the Housing Act 1996, which took effect from 20 January 1997, an authority has a duty to secure suitable accommodation for at least two years for applicants who meet the statutory homelessness criteria, unless suitable alternative accommodation is available in the authority's area. Such people will also be entitled to appear on the authority's housing register, and be considered for long-term housing.