§ Mr. BoothTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to make changes to the administration of the discretionary social fund. [17969]
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§ Mr. Roger EvansMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is introducing minor amendments to his directions and guidance on the help available from the discretionary social fund. These changes, which will take effect from 7 April, include amendments in consequence of the introduction of the Housing Act 1996 and the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, in England and Wales, and the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. They also include a range of other minor improvements, the need for which we have identified in the course of our routine monitoring of the social fund.
Details of these changes have been placed in the Library.