21/04/2004

NI social fund gets £1.65m boost

A further £1.65 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social Fund will provide extra support for some of the most needy people in society, Minister for Social Development, John Spellar said today.

Announcing the discretionary budget for 2004/2005, the Minister said that access to the Social Fund was essential for the most needy and vulnerable people in Northern Ireland. "I am sure that this increase will make a real difference," he said.

"I am pleased to say that there will be an increase of £ 1.65 million in the Northern Ireland Social Fund budget. This means that a total of £58.25 million will be available.

"The total includes £45.51 million for Social Fund loans, an increase of £0.71 million over last year. The amount available for grants has also increased by £940,000."

The Social Fund helps people on low incomes with expenses that are difficult to meet from their regular income. It has two elements.

The first is the Discretionary Fund budget which is funded by the Department of Finance and Personnel, and covers Budgeting Loans, Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants.

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

(MB)

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