Written question asked by Tom Cox (Labour) on Monday, 18 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 January 2001. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Monday, 8 January 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will consult with local residents on the opening of a hostel for former high risk convicted prison inmates in the Bedford ward, Tooting.

Answer: Mr. Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consult with local residents on the opening of a hostel for former high-risk convicted prison inmates in the Bedford ward, Tooting. [143757] Mr. Boateng: The hostel in question was, between 1976-2000, an approved probation and bail hostel managed by the Inner-London Probation Service (ILPS), on behalf of the Home Office. We are proposing to refurbish and reopen it in February 2001 under the management of the Langley House Trust. The essential functions of the hostel will remain unchanged, but security and staffing provision will be considerably enhanced. Preference will be given to the accommodation of London offenders and we are satisfied that the hostel will effectively contribute to public protection and the reduction of reoffending. ILPS have arranged a public meeting for 18 January to inform the local community about the proposals.

Secondary information