HC Deb 10 July 1989 vol 156 cc384-5W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he has on the reasons why 8.5 per cent. of the annual social fund budget for loans and grants was unspent during 1988–89 in the Caerphilly office; and how many applications for loans or grants in that office during the year in question were refused.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

During the financial year 1988–89 the Department's office at Caerphilly made awards which accounted for 98.6 per cent. of the loans budget allocation, and 91.5 per cent. of the community care grants budget allocation.

The underspend on the community care grants budget occurred because the office had anticipated the need to fund start up grants arising from two local housing developments. In the event, the Wales and West housing association development did not result in any applications and the Newydd housing association development was cancelled.

Information about the number of loan and grant applications which were unsuccessful may be obtained from data in the Library.