§ Mr. Ronnie CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many social fund funeral payments were(a) claimed and (b) awarded in Blyth Valley in each year since 1989.
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe administration of the social fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief626W executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Ronnie Campbell, dated 18 January 1995:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the number of funeral payments claimed and awarded in Blyth Valley.Information is not available for 1989–90 and has therefore been provided at Annex A from 1990–91. With the formation of the Benefits Agency in April 1991 Blyth office became one of four offices making up the Northumberland District. Although information has been provided relating specifically to Blyth for 1990–91, from 1991–92 such information is not available and has therefore been provided for the Northumberland District.I hope you find this reply helpful.Annex A
Applications and awards for funeral payments at Blyth Local Office Local office Year Application type Number of application Number of awards Blyth 1990–91 Funeral payment 88 59
Applications and awards for funeral payments at Northumberland district District Year Application type Number of Applications Number of Awards Northumberland 1991–92 Funeral payment 270 196 1992–93 Funeral payment 312 228 1993–94 Funeral payment 376 292