§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what measures there are to provide accommodation for elderly people who are homeless. [19359]
§ Ms KeebleUnder the homelessness legislation (Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996), local housing authorities must ensure that suitable accommodation becomes available for all applicants who are eligible for assistance, 37W unintentionally homeless and who fall within a priority need group. The priority need groups include a person who is vulnerable as a result of old age or with whom such a person resides or might reasonably be expected to reside.
The Housing Corporation, through the approved development programme, currently funds registered social landlords to provide accommodation for elderly people who are homeless. A continued commitment to this client group is recognised in the Housing Corporation's National Investment Strategy for 2003–04.