Social Fund pays out more than £63m

The Social Fund has paid out more than £63 million over the last year, the Government said today.

The figure was revealed into today’s Social Fund Annual Report for 2003-2004, which includes figures for cold weather and winter fuel payments, maternity and funeral costs, non-repayable community care grants and interest-free budgeting and crisis loans.

Social Development Minister John Spellar said: “The Discretionary Social Fund helped a record number of people with more than 207,000 awards being made. The Social Fund as a whole made payments worth more than £63 million.

“In addition, the total spend for 2003/04 on Winter Fuel Payments and the 80+ Payment was over £48 million.

“These figures reflect my Department’s commitment to helping the most vulnerable members of society. The Fund gives extra help with essential costs that people on low incomes find hard to pay for out of their regular budget.”

Meanwhile, more than 90,000 households in Northern Ireland are better off because of Pension Credit, according to statistics released today by the Social Security Agency.

David McCurry, Director of Pensions, said: "I am delighted that Pension Credit has made such a positive difference to so many older people in Northern Ireland. The extra money can make life a lot easier and bring financial comfort to some of the most vulnerable people in our society."

Pension Credit is payable to people aged over 60 if they have a weekly income less than £105.45 for individuals or £160.95 for couples. Pension Credit also rewards people, aged 65 or over, who have made certain provisions for their retirement such as savings.

(MB/SP)