Benefits For Hostel Dwellers

EDM number 259 in 1989-90, proposed by Alice Mahon on 08/01/1990.

That this House notes that under the new regulations, board and lodgings charges remain at ú59.15, but for 16 and 17 year olds housing benefit will cover only ú42.00 of the board and lodging charge, income support to the sum of ú20.80 will be paid by the Department of Social Security; out of this ú17.15 will have to be paid towards the lodging bill, leaving the young boarder with a total of ú3.65 per week to buy lunches, cover travel, clothing and other expenses; that a 17 or 18 year old will be left with ú7 per week; condemns this Government's heartless policies towards this vulnerable group of young people, many of whom have left care and therefore have little, if any, family support; and urges the Government to restore and increase benefits to all hostel dwellers,

This motion has been signed by a total of 67 MPs.