HC Deb 21 July 1988 vol 137 cc822-3W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how much has been paid out by his Department's local Doncaster office since 11 April on community care grants; to how many claimants; and what was the sum paid for comparable purposes up to 11 April.

Mr. Portillo

There are two Doncaster offices, Doncaster East and Doncaster West. Details of the numbers and financial amounts of social fund applications and payments for all local offices are placed in the Library at monthly intervals. Information about the number of applicants could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Prior to 11 April, single payments were given in a variety of circumstances. There are no figures available that are directly comparable with community care grants.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services on what basis the May figures for community care grants and budgeting loans were compiled in the light of the widespread delays in processing applications.

Mr. Portillo

The May figures comprise applications processed and awards made in that month. Applications processed comprise those where there has been a payment and those where a social fund officer has decided not to make a payment. Some offices do have arrears of applications awaiting processing which are not included in these figures, but there is no indication of widespread delays.

Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to increase the payment of community care grants paid by offices of his Department covering Peckham.

Mr. Portillo

It is for social fund officers to determine the applications they receive, in accordance with the law and the Secretary of State's directions, taking account of the Secretary of State's guidance and any guidance on local priorities.

Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of the social fund community care grants budget allocated to Peckham for the current financial year was spent in May and June in the offices of his Department covering Peckham.

Mr. Portillo

Details of local office social fund budgets and expenditure are in the Library.

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