§ Ms. RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for the current financial year, how many grants and how many loans were awarded from the social fund; and what was the average amount in each category for the Lewisham district office.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of the social fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member, and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Ms Joan Ruddock, dated 23 March 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about awards from the Social Fund in Lewisham and Brixton District.Details of the number of grants and loans awarded for Lewisham and Brixton District for the period 1 April 1992 to 28 February 1993, the latest for which figures are available, are in the Library. The average amounts of awards in this period are £378 for grants, £274 for budgeting loans and £93 for crisis loans.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy of this letter will appear in the Official Report and a copy will be placed in the Library.