§ Annabelle EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what plans his Department has to review the operation of the social fund with respect to those benefit recipients whose income is marginally above the basic income support level; and if he will make a statement; [69277]
(2) what plans his Department has to review the operation of the Social Fund as far as access thereto on the part of 16 and 17-year-olds is concerned; and if he will make a statement. [69279]
§ Malcolm WicksThe Social Fund plays an important role in the welfare system by helping the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society with the cost of intermittent expenses. Access to the Social Fund is therefore generally limited to people receiving income-related benefits or, in the case of Sure Start Maternity Grants and Social Fund funeral payments, tax credits. Crisis loans are available to anyone where there is a serious risk to their health or safety.
We keep all elements of the Social Fund under review to see whether further improvements can be made to its operation and to ensure that the Fund supports our wider welfare reforms. However, we have no plans to broaden the eligibility criteria.