§ 20. Mr. HindTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has any plans to revise the 26-week rule depriving homeless unemployed people of benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the rule under which budgeting loans do not become available until a claimant has been on income support for 26 weeks. The purpose of this rule is to target social fund money on people who have been out of work for some time and who are therefore likely to be in greatest need. Crisis loans are available if there is an emergency or serious risk to health or safety.
We have no plans to change this rule.