HL Deb 08 February 1988 vol 493 c93WA
Baroness Jeger

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consultations have been held with voluntary organisations in connection with advice to Department of Health and Social Security officers that they should consider referring applicants to the social fund to apply instead to voluntary organisations.

Lord Skelmersdale

The social fund manual was issued in draft form to about 60 voluntary organisations. As a result of comments received, the guidance was amended to give emphasis, in the published version of the manual, to the fact that, while social fund officers should have regard to any other help which might be available when an application is made for a crisis loan, such help should only be considered if there was a realistic expectation that it would be available, and available in time, were the applicant to seek it.