Explanatory note

This Order provides that section 6 (exclusion from benefits) of the Children (Leaving Care) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 shall come into operation on 30th June 2005 for the purpose of making Regulations and on 1st September 2005 for all other purposes.

Article 3 and Schedules 1 to 3 make consequential amendments to the Income Support (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987, the Housing Benefit (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 and the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996. Those amendments take effect from 1st September 2005.

The consequential amendment Regulations in Schedules 1 to 3 make in relation to Northern Ireland only provision corresponding to provision contained in Regulations made by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in relation to Great Britain and accordingly, by virtue of section 149(3) of, and paragraph 10 of Schedule 5 to, the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (c. 8), are not subject to the requirement of section 149(2) of that Act for prior reference to the Social Security Advisory Committee.

This Order does not impose a charge on business.