18/04/2002

Dodds announces extra help for “most needy" in society

The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, has announced a further £1.73 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social fund.

The increase brings the Social Fund, which helps the most needy people in society up to a total to £51 million for the next year.

The funding scheme aims to help people on low incomes with expenses that are difficult to meet from their regular income. The scheme consists of two elements - the Discretionary Fund and the Regulated Fund. The Discretionary Fund covers Budgeting Loans, Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants.

The Regulated Fund covers Funeral Payments, Sure Start Maternity Grants, Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Payments.

“The total includes a figure of £40.14 million for Social Fund loans, which represents an increase of £1.13 million over last years budget. Money available for grants has also increased. This year an extra £0.5million has been made available.

“Access to the Social Fund is essential to some of the most needy and vulnerable people in Northern Ireland and I am sure that this increase will make a big difference to their lives,” Mr Dodds said.

(AMcE)

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