Written question asked by Baroness May of Maidenhead (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 March 2002. It was answered by Stephen Byers (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 March 2002 on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, how those conducting the count, for the latest rough sleeping headcount conducted by the RSU, chose the areas of the various cities in which their counts would take place; and if he will publish the guidance issued as to how the count areas were to be chosen.

Answer: Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how those conducting the count, for the latest rough sleeping head count conducted by the RSU, chose the areas of the various cities in which their counts would take place; and if he will publish the guidance issued as to how the count areas were to be chosen. [40053] Mr. Byers: Rough sleeping head counts are conducted by local authorities and voluntary sector agencies and the results are submitted to the DTLR. The method used to conduct counts, including deciding which areas should be covered is clearly set out in our guidance, which was first published in 1996. This states that a working group of key local agencies should be formed and that this working group in consultation with other local agencies should: "Agree on the boundaries of the area and identify segments of the area where people sleeping rough are likely to be found." This is the guidance that was used for the latest rough sleeping head count.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 40053; 381 c186W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Codes of practice Homelessness Statistics Sleeping rough Rough Sleepers Unit Homelessness Directorate
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk