§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to tackle homelessness in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [2724]
§ Mr. ChisholmA revised Code of Guidance on Homelessness will shortly be issued. It will give clear encouragement to local authorities that they should seek to secure, either at their own hand or from other housing providers, permanent rather than temporary accommodation for unintentionally homeless people in priority need. We have also allocated an additional£1 million for the Rough Sleepers Initiative this year, bringing the total available funding to £16 million over three years; and we are making available a further £2 million as the first instalment in a new long term initiative to bring empty homes back into use. Subject to a satisfactory evaluation, we will make additional funding available to the Scottish Homeless Advisory Service to extend it throughout Scotland.