§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to restore the duty on local authorities to find permanent housing for the homeless; and if he will make a statement. [70890]
§ Mr. RaynsfordShortly after taking office, the Government made regulations which require local housing authorities to give reasonable preference in the allocation of permanent social tenancies to people who are owed a main homelessness duty, that is, those who have been found to be unintentionally homeless and in priority need. We have also made an order which requires that, where authorities discharge this duty by assisting applicants to secure alternative accommodation for themselves, the authority must be satisfied that the accommodation will be available for at least 2 years. These measures have strengthened the position of homeless people and the Government are presently considering what other steps should be taken to ensure that they get the assistance and protection that they need.