To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many callers were unable to speak to an operator about a Social Fund application in (a) the last quarter and (b) the last year for which figures are available. (229582)

[holding answer 23 October 2008]: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.

Letter from Lesley Strathie:

The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about how many callers were unable to speak to an operator about a Social Fund application in (a) the last quarter and (b) the last year for which figures are available. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.

The information requested is not available. The current telephony management data does not tell us how many customers do not get through to an officer.

Jobcentre Plus are rolling out an advanced telephony system which will be completed at the end of April 2009 at which time we will look at producing telephony reports that provide this information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the reasons why applications for Social Fund (a) community care grants decreased by 9.2 per cent. and (b) budgeting loans decreased by 11.3 per cent. between 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement. (231258)

No assessment has been made of the reasons for the decreases in applications for Social Fund community care grants and budgeting loans. Applications for community care grants and budgeting Loans vary from year to year. Numbers have decreased previously and subsequently risen.