Variations in take-up of the Family Fund

This paper investigates geographical variations in successful and unsuccessful applications to the Family Fund Trust which provides grants to families with severely disabled children. A new measure of take-up is developed which takes account of demographic differences between local social services authorities and relates local take-up levels to national rates. The take-up of grants varies more than twofold across local authorities but is generally higher in deprived areas, suggesting that the help available from the fund is targeting those most in need. Nonetheless use of the fund is less than expected in metropolitan areas characterized by rented accommodation, high rise dwellings and minority ethnic groups. Ethnic monitoring and other measures to promote equal opportunities have recently been introduced. If take-up were uniformly high across England and Wales the current caseload and budget would increase by more than half. Local authorities where renewed efforts might be most effectively targeted to encourage families to apply for a grant can be identified but any publicity would need to ensure that inappropriate applications are kept to a minimum.