§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many grants and loans have been made from the social fund in Walthamstow in each of the last three years for which figures are available; how many applications were made; and what were the total sums involved.
§ Mr. ScottThe information requested is available in the Library for the years 1989–90, and 1990–91 by former departmental local office. Information is also in the Library for 1991–92 for the Benefits Agency's Lea-Roding district, of which Walthamstow is part.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the ability of the social fund to meet the needs of the poorest claimants.
§ Mr. ScottThe operation of the social fund is closely monitored by the Department. We also commissioned detailed research from the university of York's social policy research unit, which we are currently considering along with other recent reports about the scheme.
Income support is the main help which the Government give to people who have insufficient income to meet their general needs. The social fund complements income support by helping people with specific expenses in certain circumstances, which may not necessarily be related to their general financial circumstances alone.