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Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the assistance given to the homeless who are trying to get a permanent home; and what new measures have been introduced since 1997. [26632] Ms Keeble: Local authorities have a duty to provide appropriate advice and assistance to anyone who is homeless. In addition, there are provisions in the Homelessness Bill to ensure that each local authority formulates and publishes a homelessness strategy. This will help ensure that accommodation will be available for people who are, or may become homeless, as well as helping to prevent homelessness in the first place. Assistance is also provided for former rough sleepers in England through the work of the Rough Sleepers Unit. The RSU is ensuring that a further 1,000 permanent homes are available for former rough sleepers, bringing the total to more than 4,500. Most of these homes have already been provided with the remainder becoming available by late 2002. The RSU's strategy has also ensured that services have been developed to support individuals through the transition to permanent housing. The unit funds services which: 1. prepare people for living inside by tackling addiction and mental health issues; 2. help in securing accommodation through, for example, the use of rent deposit schemes and help finding furniture etc.; 3. support former rough sleepers within their new homes through Tenancy Sustainment Teams, including youth, substance misuse, mental health and employment workers; 4. equip individuals with the skills needed to live independently, help to access benefits and link them back into education, training and employment. I am also very concerned about the rising number of homeless households being placed in bed and breakfast accommodation. We have now established a Bed and Breakfast Unit which will shortly be announcing targets to reduce numbers placed in B&B over the next two years.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

26632; 378 c11-2W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Bed and breakfast accommodation Housing Finance Homelessness Standards Temporary accommodation Sleeping rough Rough Sleepers Unit

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk