§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance is given by local officers of his Department to claimants seeking special needs or emergency payments regarding approaches to loan companies; what advice is given in this context as to the availability of low interest loans from reputable money lenders; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MajorPeople who do not qualify for supplementary benefit in the normal way can be considered for urgent needs payments under the Supplementary Benefit (Urgent Cases) Regulations. In these circumstances, they are asked whether they already have credit or loan facilities available.
However, the Department does not expect claimants to negotiate new commercial loan facilities in any circumstances and therefore does not give guidance about making approaches to loan companies or money lenders.