§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if food vouchers are used as a suitable method of paying crisis loans in circumstances other than where the need has arisen because of the claimant's loss of money due to recklessness.
§ Mr. ScottThe power to make a payment out of the social fund under section 32(2)(b) of the Social Security Act 1986 may be exercised by making a payment to a third party with a view to the third party providing, or arranging for the provision of, goods or services to the applicant.
The method of payment is a matter for consideration in the circumstances of each individual case. Information relating to the ways in which local offices make payments for crisis loans in individual cases is not available.
§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of crisis loans have been awarded as food vouchers for each month since April 1988(a) nationally, (b) regionally and (c) in each of his Department's local office areas.