§ Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give a breakdown of reasons for applications for crisis loans, including alignment payments based on the latest available information.
§ Mr. ScottThe 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 Mr. M. Bichard to Ms Ann Coffey, dated 3 November 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 if he will give a breakdown of reasons for applications for crisis loans, including alignment payments based on the latest available information.Statistical information about the reason for a Crisis Loan application is not held. I have, therefore, provided details of the number of Crisis Loans awarded nationally and the purpose of the award. The information is attached at Annex A for the period 1 April 1993 to 30 September 1993 (latest available data).I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Annex A Number of crisis loan awards and reason for the award, 1 April 1993 to 30 September 1993 (latest available data) Purpose of the award Number of awards Bed 13,235 Bedding 8,045 Clothing and footwear 4,879 Cooker 14,204 Floor covering 2,000 Home improvement and maintenance 472 Living expenses alignment 135,137 Living expenses general 165,901 Household items 20,467 Others 3,995 Removal expenses 1,122 Rent in advance 5,100 Travelling expenses 4,888 Washing machine 1,613 Total 381,058
§ Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average length of time he estimates for the administrative proceedings, including reception, social fund payment section, finance and social fund administrative recovery section, to be completed for an application for a crisis loan because of an alignment payment and the average length of time to administer a benefit payment.
§ Mr. ScottThe 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 and a copy will be placed in the Library.
389WLetter from Mr. M. Bichard to Ms Ann Coffey, dated 3 November 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions raised about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security, asking what is the average length of time he estimates for the administrative proceedings, including reception, social fund payment section, finance and social fund administrative recovery section, to be completed for an application for a crisis loan because of an alignment payment and the average length of time to administer a benefit payment.Unfortunately, figures are not available which relate specifically to a Crisis Loan because of an "alignment payment". I can, however, give you figures for the administrative procedure you request for Crisis Loans in general:
Minutes Reception time 4.6 Time to process a Crisis Loan 88.4 Social Fund Loan Recovery and Transfer Action 59.9 Prepare and issue payment 40 Total time 156.9
I have given a figure for the time taken to prepare and issue a Crisis Loan payment, as it is part of the administrative procedures you are enquiring about. However, if you require details about the time taken to administer the payment of a specific benefit I would be happy to supply you with further information.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will be placed in the Library.