Explanatory note

This Order brings into force in England on 30th April 2003 the provisions of the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 (“the Act”) which are not already in force in England.

In particular it brings into force section 3, which provides that regulations may be made to introduce a voucher scheme, whereby a local authority may issue vouchers which enable a carer to take a short term break, and the care he usually provides to the person cared for will be provided by someone else while the carer is away.

It also brings into force that part of section 7(1) which inserts section 17B into the Children Act 1989. Section 17B, which provides that regulations may be made to introduce a voucher scheme whereby a local authority may issue vouchers which enable a parent carer of a disabled child to take a short break, and the care he usually provides to the disabled child will be provided by someone else while the parent carer is away.

It also brings into force section 9 in so far as it relates to the provision of vouchers.

This is the second Commencement Order made under the Act.