Temporary Accommodation Costs Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Lord Watts
Main Page: Lord Watts (Labour - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Watts's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Temporary Accommodation Costs
Lord Watts Excerpts(10 months, 3 weeks ago)
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Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)
The noble Lord is right. I am aware of this issue. I do not have the up-to- date facts with me so, if he does not mind, I will write to him.
Lord Watts (Lab)
My Lords, the last Labour Government almost did away with homelessness. It is a Conservative policy which has created this scandal for the British people. Does the Minister have a plan? If so, can she tell the House how much it would cost to end homelessness and how that money would be allocated? Otherwise, it will continue to be a blight on society.
Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)
My Lords, I wish it were as simple as that. Yes, we have a plan to build more houses in this country—importantly, more affordable houses and houses for social rent. As I said, at a time when we have been through a difficult economic situation, we have more people needing temporary accommodation. It is important that we are there to pick up those who need emergency roofs over their heads. They need to feel safe and secure. Quite honestly, I think they would rather be in temporary accommodation than on the streets.