Written question asked by Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 January 1996. It was answered by Roger Evans (Conservative) on Monday, 15 January 1996 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: What changes have been made to the limit on the amount payable from the Social Fund for funeral payments towards funeral directors' fees in the last 10 years.

Answer: Mr. Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what changes have been made to the limit on the amount payable from the social fund for funeral payments toward funeral directors' fees in the last 10 years. [8583] Mr. Evans: From 1980 to 1987, supplementary benefit single payments regulations provided for payment of an unlimited amount sufficient to meet the reasonable cost of any specified essential expenses for the funeral director's fees which fell to be met by the responsible person. This provision was carried forward to the social fund in 1987 and remained unchanged until 5 June 1995, when a ceiling of £500 on the amount allowable for specified funeral directors' fees for a dignified social fund funeral was introduced.

Secondary information