HC Deb 13 February 2004 vol 418 cc329-30W
Ms Oona King

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will place in the Library a copy of the research commissioned by the Homelessness Directorate on homelessness among people from black and ethnic minority communities. [152026]

Yvette Cooper

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister commissioned research on homelessness among black and ethnic minority communities in February 2003. The research consisted of a literature review, interviews with Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) households, local authority officers and a range of other key national and local stakeholders in order to explore the causes of homelessness and to provide best practice guidance on the most appropriate interventions for tackling and preventing homelessness among different BME groups.

A first draft report and guidance have been produced for further discussion with a range of key stakeholders and we expect to have a final version ready for publication in three to four months time. When published, copies of both documents will be made available in the Library of the House.

Bob Spink

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) if he will publish the results of the annual return supplied by local authorities on homelessness applications by couples with dependent children; [152429]

(2)if he will publish the results of the annual return supplied by local authorities on homeless applications by lone-parent females; [153106]

(3)if he will publish the results of the annual return supplied by local authorities on homeless applications by single person male applicants: [153419]

(4)if he will publish the results of the annual return supplied by local authorities on homeless applications by single person female applicants. [153669]

Yvette Cooper

Two key summary tables, based on data from the 2003 annual homelessness return, have been made available on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website. A hard copy has been made available in the Library of the House. These include an analysis of homeless households accepted by local authorities, broken down by region and household type, distinguishing couples with dependent children and lone-parent families. Information collected about homeless applications on both the annual and quarterly homelessness returns distinguishes ethnicity, but not household type.

Further key analyses from the annual return are being prepared and will be placed on the website once finalised.