Social Fund reform - debt, credit and low income households (Paperback)

The Social Fund is an important part of the welfare state. It makes provision for those on very low incomes to help them deal with problems getting affordable credit, sudden unexpected costs and crises. In this Green Paper, "Social Fund Reform: Debt, Credit and Low-Income Households (Cm. 7750)" the Government seeks a consultation to review the role and design of the Social Fund to maximise its impact. It wishes to change the Social Fund scheme away from its short term role into something more sustainable. The Government sets out a number of aims including: a scheme that is simpler for customers to understand and use and also simpler for Department for Work and Pensions' staff to deliver to ensure better value for money; to play a more active and sustainable role in helping people resolve their longer-term financial needs and supports them to become more financially independent, as well as dealing with short term crises; and, to ensure the scheme is set within the wider context of financial inclusion and education, and is aligned with the range of products and services that the Government delivers for people with complex and enduring needs. The publication is divided into nine chapters. Consultation responses should be received by the closing date of the 07 June 2010.