§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to provide the independent living fund with greater flexibility in managing their finances. [21608]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellThe independent living fund trustees have requested that they be given the power to obtain bank overdrafts, should they be required in the future. I am pleased to announce that the ILF trust deeds have therefore been amended to give them power to borrow, subject to the written approval of the Secretary of State for Social Security. It is proposed that a Government guarantee be provided for any loan, and parliamentary approval for the guarantee is sought. Further information is contained in a parliamentary minute, "Class XII, Vote 2 Department of Social Security: Independent Living Funds", Cm 3590, which has been laid before the House today.