# The Integration Loans for Refugees and Others Regulations 2007, Note: Explanatory note


(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations provide for integration loans for refugees and others.
Regulation 3 provides that the Secretary of State may specify and from time to time vary a maximum and a minimum amount which may be awarded by way of an integration loan.
Regulation 4 sets out the criteria a person must satisfy in order to be eligible to apply for an integration loan.
Regulation 5 sets out the criteria which an application for an integration loan must satisfy to be valid. Those criteria are that the application is made in writing by an eligible applicant, that it includes the information set out in the Schedule, that it stipulates the loan’s intended use and that it includes a declaration of truth. It allows for an integration loan to be made where there is a valid application.
Regulation 6 provides a list of matters which the Secretary of State must take into account in reaching a decision.
Regulation 7 provides that an integration loan may be made subject to conditions.
Regulation 8 sets out the process to be followed by the Secretary of State on receipt of an application for an integration loan. Provision is made for the Secretary of State to make further inquiries as necessary in the course of reaching a decision.
Regulation 9 makes provision for the repayment of integration loans. There are two methods of repayment. Where the recipient is in receipt of a specified benefit repayment of the loan shall take place in accordance with the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987 or the equivalent legislation for Northern Ireland, by way of deductions from benefits. In other cases the terms of repayment will be in accordance with those set out in the loan agreement.
Regulation 10 makes provision for the terms of repayment to be revised in the event of a change of circumstances on the part of the recipient of the loan. Among the factors which the Secretary of State must take into account in determining whether to revise the terms of repayment is any information which the recipient of the loan has provided in support of a request for a revision of the terms. A revision of the terms of repayment could include switching the method of repayment because the person has started or ceased to be the recipient of benefits. It could also include suspending repayments because the person has fallen into hardship.
Regulation 11 makes provision for spouses and civil partners, and those who are living together as such, to make a joint application for an integration loan. If a loan is made their liability to repay it will be joint and several.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2007/9780110757995/note (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/draft-integration-loans-for-refugees-and-others-regulations-2007/note
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.