§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his answer of 18 September 2003,Official Report, column 910W, on loans for those on low incomes, what the average time taken is for (a) applications, (b) decisions and (c) first payments to arrive for crisis loans. [135107]
§ Mr. PondCrisis loans are available to anyone, whether or not they are receiving a benefit, who is facing an emergency or disaster which is threatening their health or safety or that of a member of their family, and who has either no resources or insufficient resources to meet the need.
During 2002–03, 96.7 per cent. of crisis loans applications were processed and paid on the day they were made. Crisis loans are usually paid immediately by girocheque in a Jobcentre Plus or Social Security office. As most payments are for essential items, those made by post are sent first class.