§ Mrs. CaltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the arrangements are for customers to apply for and receive a crisis loan when they live a long way from the office that decides upon crisis loan applications. [85290]
§ Malcolm WicksWe recognise that crisis loan applicants normally require a same day service. Individual managers understand local problems and geography and are responsible for making suitable arrangements for the delivery of, and access to, all locally-administered benefits including the Social Fund.
1004WExceptionally, where a customer is unable to visit their local office, for example an elderly or disabled person with restricted mobility, or a person who lives a long way from the office and who has no access to suitable transport, they may contact the office by telephone to request a home visit. If the information given by the applicant indicates that a crisis loan is likely to be awarded, a visit may be made for the application to be completed and, where appropriate, the loan to be paid.
We believe that the current arrangements are sufficiently flexible to support a good standard of delivery to customers, regardless of their location.