HC Deb 18 November 2003 vol 413 cc815-6W
Ms Oona King

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what research he has collated on the treatment of the Somali community in relation to housing. [139249]

Keith Hill

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not carried out any research on this subject. A report on "Somali housing experiences in England" by researchers at Sheffield Hallam university carried out with the support of the Housing Corporation was published earlier this year.

Ms Oona King

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 11 July 2003,Official Report, columns 1062–63W, on housing (black minority ethnic communities), if he will commission research into the housing needs of the Somali community; and whether a decision has been made on taking forward the recommendation on commissioning research on the housing and neighbourhood experiences of black and minority ethnic children. [139259]

Keith Hill

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans in place to commission research into the housing needs of the Somali community or to collect further data on the housing and neighbourhood experiences of black and minority ethnic children.

Ms Oona King

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on what research policy decisions on the housing needs of the Somali community are based. [139260]

Keith Hill

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is not responsible for making policy decisions about the housing needs of specific groups. Local authorities are responsible for formulating Housing Strategy Statements for their areas. These should be based on the best local evidence available. They are required to take into account the needs of particular sections of the community including Black and Minority ethnic populations. Guidance was published in 2000, "Local Housing Needs Assessment: A Guide to Good Practice" and "Black and Minority Ethnic Housing Strategies: A Good Practice Guide".

Ms Oona King

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the housing needs of the Somali community. [139261]

Keith Hill

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is not responsible for assessing the housing needs of specific groups. Local authorities are responsible for formulating Housing Strategy Statements for their areas. These should be based on the best local evidence available. They are required to take into account the needs of particular sections of the community including Black and Minority ethnic populations. Guidance was published in 2000, "Local Housing Needs Assessment: A Guide to Good Practice" and "Black and Minority Ethnic Housing Strategies: A Good Practice Guide".