§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the percentage of the cash budget paid to date to claimants using the two Doncaster social security offices seeking assistance from community care grants; what percentage of claims have been refused; what percentage of claimants were recommended to apply for social security loans; what percentage of the loan budget has been spent; what percentage of the national budgets have been spent to date; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydInformation on the numbers of applicants for social fund loans and grants processed and awarded, listed by local office, including information on budget allocations and expenditure, is available from the details held in the Library.
Information is available on the social fund application form to assist people in deciding whether to apply for a grant or a loan. Social fund officers are also available to provide additional information and help with form completion, but they do not recommend applicants to apply for loans in preference to grants. Upon receipt of an application the social fund officer will determine whether a grant or loan is appropriate.