§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether loans can be paid from the discretionary social fund to applicants claiming income support while they are waiting for seven days to receive payment of income support paid in arrears; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottYes. Crisis loans may be paid from the social fund to people who are awaiting their first payment of income support, and who are facing a serious risk to their health or safety. In 1989–90, a total of 191,000 such awards were made, at a total cost of £6.2 million. Over 90 per cent. of crisis loan applications are successful.
Source: Secretary of State's Annual Report on the Social Fund, 1989–90.