HC Deb 28 January 1991 vol 184 cc434-5W
Mr. Loyden

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the main purposes/items for which crisis loans were awarded from the social fund; and what is the average value of such loans.

Mr. Scott

Information relating to 1988–89 and 1989–90 is available in the Secretary of State's annual reports, copies of which are in the Library. Information relating to 1990–91 to 31 December is shown in the table.

Awards Average amount £
Furniture and household items 32,694 214
Rent in advance 7,507 114
Living expenses (general) 157,950 35
Living expenses (alignment) 154,973 34
Clothing/footwear 5,907 91
Others 13,256 64
TOTAL 372,287 55

Mr. Loyden

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of income support claimants are having deductions made for the repayment of social fund loans in each of his Department's offices on Merseyside.

Mr. Scott

The information requested is in the table.

Local Office Percentage
Belle Vale 14.9
Bootle 14.5
Breckfield 14.3
City 21.5
Crosby 12.7
Edgehill 15.0
Garston 13.7
Huyton 19.0
Kirkby 15.8
Norris Green 16.7
Toxteth 15.7
West Derby 16.1

Mr. Loyden

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the main purposes items for which budgeting loans were awarded from the social fund; and what is the average value of such loans.

Mr. Scott

Information relating to 1988–89 and 1989–90 is available in the Secretary of State's annual reports, copies of which are in the Library. Information relating to 1990–91 (to 31 December) is shown in the table.

Awards Average value £
Furniture and household items 364,470 231
Washing machine 18,579 208
Bedding 14,667 137
Clothing/Footwear 37,901 138
Others 24,013 177
Total 459,630 217