§ Mr. Gordon BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the expected amount to be spent in(a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland on (i) loans and (ii) grants from the social fund in each year to 1991; and what is his estimate of (1) the number of payments and (2) the number of claimants in each year.
§ Mr. Scott[holding answer 1 February 1988]: Social fund budget allocations for 1988/89 are shown in the table. Allocations for future years have not yet been decided.
The number of payments that will be made from the loans and grants budgets will depend upon the size of individual payments. This will be determined by the amounts applied for, and the decisions of individual social fund officers in 764W accordance with the law and directions and in the light of guidance. The number of applicants will depend upon a number of factors, including any take-up campaigns. No firm estimates can therefore be given until the new scheme is in operation.
Social fund budgets 1988–89 (£) Grants Loans England 45,248,177 106,224,026 Scotland 11,506,069 27,143,347 Wales 3,462,240 8,136,641 Northern Ireland 7,200,092 13,700,140
Social fund contingency funds 1988–89 £ Great Britain 2,000,000 Northern Ireland 199,768