§ Mr. Geoffrey RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many households in each parliamentary constituency in Coventry qualify for payments under the cold weather payments scheme.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of social fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. Geoffrey Robinson, dated 5 November 1992:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking how many households in each Parliamentary constituency in Coventry qualify for payments under the cold weather payments scheme.The four constituencies in Coventry are all covered by the Agency's Coventry District, which consists of two offices, Coventry East and Coventry West. The boundaries of the constituencies do not correspond with those of the Agency's offices and it is not possible to give a figure for each constituency except at disproportionate cost. However, based on figures for those claiming Income Support in August 1992, it is estimated that 19,700 customers in the Coventry District may qualify for a cold weather payment should the area be triggered.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy of this reply will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.
Social fund information—Euston District—October 1991 to September 1992 Applications Grant awards Loan offers Refusals October 1991 3,177 183 1,652 984 November 1991 2,681 204 1,346 1,191 December 1991 2,967 239 1,393 1,177 January 1992 3,105 238 1,343 1,274 February 1992 2,677 208 1,177 1,197 March 1992 2,963 240 1,138 1,399 April 1992 2,696 255 1,035 1,368 May 1992 2,605 224 1,029 1,242 June 1992 1,656 140 709 636 July 1992 2,786 152 1,207 1,038