Explanatory note

These Regulations make amendments to the Healthy Start Scheme and Welfare Food (Amendment) Regulations 2005, S.I. 2005/3262^f1 (“the principal Regulations”) and the Welfare Food Regulations 1996^f2 (“the 1996 Regulations”).

Regulation 3 adds new definitions to and amends existing definitions in regulation 2 of the principal Regulations (interpretation). In particular, the definition of “Healthy Start food” is amended to make provision for the operation of a scheme in Scotland and in Wales. A new definition of “Healthy Start vitamins” also makes similar provision.

Regulations 4(2) and 10 extend the Healthy Start scheme to the whole of Great Britain.

Regulation 4(2)(b) amends regulation 3(3)(e) of the principal Regulations (entitlement to benefit) to lower to age four the age under which a child who satisfies the conditions stated is a person entitled to benefit.

Regulations 5 and 7 provide for Healthy Start vitamins and payments in lieu of Healthy Start vitamins. Regulations 4(1), 6 and 8 make amendments to the principal Regulations consequent on the introduction of Healthy Start vitamins.

Regulation 9 inserts a new paragraph (2A) into regulation 12 of the principal Regulations to provide expressly for information to be disclosed to and used by persons carrying out functions on behalf of the Secretary of State for enforcement of the Regulations.

Regulation 11 amends the 1996 Regulations in particular to bring to an end entitlement to milk, dried milk or vitamins under the 1996 Regulations except for milk or dried milk for children in day care.

Regulation 12 makes transitional provision.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared and placed in the library of each House of Parliament. Copies can be obtained from the Department of Health, Wellington House, 133 – 155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG.