Regulation 3

SCHEDULE

PART 1 Relevant Authorities

PART 2 Relevant Local Authorities

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations prescribe the rate by which housing benefit is to be reduced during the restriction period referred to in section 130B(1) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992. Section 130B was inserted by the Welfare Reform Act 2007. It provides that housing benefit is to be reduced if a former occupier is evicted from his home on grounds of anti-social behaviour under a relevant possession order (as defined in section 130C of the 1992 Act) and other conditions are satisfied, including the failure without good cause to comply with a warning notice requiring the former occupier to take specified action. Housing benefit will be reduced for the restriction period, which can last up to 5 years (section 130B(8)).

The Regulations apply only in the pilot scheme areas listed in the Schedule (regulation 3).

Regulation 1 deals with commencement and it provides that the Regulations will cease to apply at the end of the pilot period.

Regulation 2 contains definitions.

Regulation 4 prescribes the rate by which housing benefit is to be reduced during the restriction period. Housing benefit will be gradually reduced in three phases (unless the restriction period ends before the start of a new phase), subject to the provisions dealing with persons in hardship.

Regulation 5 specifies who is to be regarded as a “person in hardship”.

Regulation 6 deals with cases where a reduction is also made under section 7 of the Social Security Fraud Act 2001 (loss of benefit for commission of benefit offences).

Regulation 7 makes a related amendment to regulation 17 of the Social Security (Loss of Benefit) Regulations 2001.

These Regulations have no impact on business, charities and the voluntary sector. However, an assessment of the impact of the provisions in these Regulations is included in the Regulatory Impact Assessment that accompanied the Welfare Reform Bill. A copy of that Assessment has been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament. Copies may be obtained from the Better Regulation Unit of the Department for Work and Pensions, level 4, The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street, London WC 2N 6HT.