§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to the answer of 21 October 2002,Official Report, column 61W, when a street count for under 16s living rough last took place in (a) London and (b) West Sussex; what criteria is used to count under 16s in the street count; and when the Social Exclusion Unit will publish its report into young runaways. [78194]
§ Mrs. RocheStreet counts were last carried out in London and West Sussex during March 2002. These found no one sleeping rough aged under 16. Anyone who is bedded down in the open air, people in buildings or other places not designed for habitation, including those under 16, is included in the figures.
The Social Exclusion Unit hopes to publish its report on young runaways shortly.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent discussions his Department has had with the Home Office regarding police involvement in dealing with the issue of under 16s living rough. [78195]
§ Mrs. RocheThe police and the Home Office have been key members of the Young Runaways Advisory Group, advising on issues for runaways when they are away from home. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is also a member of the Missing Persons Cross-Departmental Group led by the Home Office. In addition, the police work with outreach teams across the country. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not had discussions with the Home Office regarding police involvement with under 16s living rough.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many 16 to 18-year-olds are living rough in(a) London and (b) West Sussex following the last street count. [78196]
§ Mrs. RocheThe street count carried out in London in March 2002 identified one person aged 18 sleeping rough. A full analysis of count information showing breakdown by age is not currently held centrally for West Sussex. When informed of results of street counts we would expect to be notified if a person under 16 is found sleeping rough.