HC Deb 08 July 1993 vol 228 cc213-4W
Ms Coffey

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the latest available information for the district covering Stockport and nationally on the number and applications for crisis loans dealt with by social fund officers because of re-alignment of unemployment benefit.

Mr. Scott

The administration of the 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 Michael Bichard to Ms Ann Coffey, dated 7 July 1993:

As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking

Share of total income (per cent.) (including self-employed)
1979 1988–89 1990–91
Income after housing costs
Top 40 per cent. 58 64 65
Top 30 per cent. 48 53 55
Top 20 per cent. 35 41 43
Top 10 per cent. 21 26 27

Note:

The figures in the tables are based on equivalised income for household size and composition.

Mr. Dewar

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide similar statistics to table A1, page 60, of "Households Below Average Income" 1979, 1990–91, to include decile 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 including the self-employed, before housing costs and after housing costs, and excluding self-employed before housing costs and after housing costs.

Mr. Burt

The information is in the tables.

what is the latest available information for the district covering Stockport and nationally on the number of applications for crisis loans dealt with by Social Fund Officers because of re-alignment of unemployment benefit.

I am unable to give the information you requested because the statistical information kept does not identify the individual benefits involved in such applications. I can, however, provide details of the number of crisis loans awarded to applicants whose benefit is paid in arrears. For the period 1 April 1993 to 30 May 1993 (latest available data) the figure for the Stockport District is 323. The national figure for the same period is 39,350.

I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.