On how many occasions, if any, have Ministry of Social Development staff recommended that a person get a credit card or loan in lieu of receiving support from the Ministry?

Answer

I am advised that due to how this information is recorded in the Ministry’s systems, providing this information would require a review of individual client files, and for the Ministry to undertake substantial manual collation, diverting staff from their core duties. In accordance with the Speaker’s Ruling 210/6, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering the Member’s question is not in the public interest.