§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the Social Fund limits were last increased; and if he will make a statement as to when he next expects them to be increased. [54068]
§ Malcolm WicksThe gross national budget for social fund loans and grants is decided in time for allocations to be made to each district from 1 April each year. The setting and allocation of the 2002–03 budget has already taken place. At £627 million, the April 2002 budget represents an increase of £6.4 million over the budget set in April 2001. The size of the gross national budget will he reviewed against next year.