§ Mr. McTaggartTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if his staff have been given training in debt counselling; and what guidance has been given to staff when arranging loans under the social fund as to the consideration to be given to other debts which claimants may have.
§ Mr. PortilloSocial fund officers receive training which includes money advice. In addition guidance on money advice is contained in part 9 of the social fund manual, which has been published. Guidance on the consideration to be given to other debts is contained in parts 3, 4 and 5 of the social fund manual.