Commentary on Sections Use of centres Section 19: Destitution: definition
74.Section 19 defines “destitution”. This means a person, and his dependants if he has any, who is unable to obtain both adequate accommodation and food and other essential items. In deciding whether accommodation is adequate, the Secretary of State must have regard to any prescribed matter but may not have regard to whether a person has an enforceable right to occupy accommodation, whether a person shares all or part of the accommodation, the location of the accommodation, whether it is temporary or permanent or any other prescribed matter.
75.Subsection (5) enables the Secretary of State to make regulations specifying items which are or are not to be considered as essential items.
76.Subsection (6) allows the Secretary of State to make regulations specifying when a person is not to be treated as destitute, enabling the Secretary of State to have regard to any income which a person or his dependant might reasonably be expected to have, or support or particular assets which are or might be available and to make provision for the valuation of these assets.