§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many successful and unsuccessful applications were made to the social fund, in the last period for which figures are available, for help with(a) the cost of furniture and other essential household items, (b) rent in advance and (c) other items, by category, and where the application was successful, whether the assistance was provided by way of grant or loan, and the average amount of such assistance.
§ Mr. ScottThe available information for the period 1 April 1991 to 29 February 1992 is in the tables. Information regarding unsuccessful applications for specific items or services could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Social Fund Loans Number of awards Size of average award (£) Furniture and household 662,911 226 Rent in advance 14,795 137 Washing machines 33,656 209 Home improvements, repairs and maintenance 12,722 174 Removal expenses 6,180 154 Travelling expenses 5,923 42 Living expenses 441,922 38 Clothing and footwear 49,471 119 Bedding 25,754 127 Other 15,298 142 898W
Social fund grants Number of awards Size of average award (£) Furniture and household 142,139 387 Rent in advance 427 202 Washing machines 14,494 288 Home improvements, repairs and maintenance 7,021 238 Removal expenses 8,624 182 Travelling expenses 45,808 60
Number of awards Size of average award (£) Living expenses 924 77 Clothing and footwear 26,503 152 Bedding 6,152 156 Other 4,052 179
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of(a) crisis loans, (b) budget loans and (c) all loans from the social fund have gone to people aged 60 years and over.
§ Mr. ScottThe table shows the percentage of social fund loans awarded to people aged 60 and over from 1 April 1991 to 31 January 1992.
Per cent. Crisis loans 1.05 Budgeting loans 3.96 All loans 2.66