Written question asked by Roy Thomason (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 November 1996. It was answered by Malcolm Moss (Conservative) on Thursday, 28 November 1996 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: What plans he has to make a further allocation of funds to the discretionary Social Fund budget in the current financial year.

Answer: Mr. Thomason: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans to make a further allocation of funds to the discretionary social fund budget in the current financial year. [7119] Mr. Moss: I am very pleased to announce that the Northern Ireland social fund discretionary budget for 1996-97 will be increased by a total of £600,000 as a result of better than expected loan recoveries by the Social Security Agency. This will increase the original allocation for loans and grants to a total of £37.31 million. This increase in the social fund budget will ensure that more people receive help and that the fund continues to play an important role in targeting resources on those most in need. Details of the revised budgets have been placed in the Library.

Secondary information