HL Deb 25 January 2005 vol 668 cc150-1WA
The Earl of Listowel

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the case of families in temporary accommodation who are placed at some distance from their home area, assistance is offered towards the travel costs incurred when they seek to maintain contact with their extended family or community; and, if so, what assistance. [HL787]

Lord Rooker

Where a family is placed in temporary accommodation by a local housing authority as a discharge of a homelessness duty the authority must ensure that the accommodation is suitable and, so far as reasonably practical, is located within the authority's boundaries. Affordability and the location of the accommodation, particularly with regard to any need for the family to maintain links with community, family support, and public services such as school, doctor and hospital, are both factors that must be considered when determining suitability. There is no specific requirement on the housing authority to provide assistance towards travel costs.