Regulation 10 Substitution of regulation 8 (issue of voucher)I1

For regulation 8 M1 substitute—

“Issue of voucher or credit

8

(1)

For each week that a beneficiary is entitled to benefit under regulations 3 and 4 the Secretary of State must—

(a)

issue or cause to be issued to that beneficiary a voucher; or

(b)

credit an amount to a voucher previously issued to that beneficiary,

to enable the beneficiary to purchase Healthy Start food.

(2)

A voucher issued under paragraph (1)(a) may be in paper form, electronic form or in the form of a pre-paid payment card.

(3)

The value represented by a voucher or credit issued under paragraph (1) (“the voucher or credit value”) must not be less than £3.10.

(4)

Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary of State may increase or decrease the voucher or credit value.

(5)

When determining whether to exercise the power in paragraph (4) the Secretary of State must have regard to the following—

(a)

the cost of purchasing Healthy Start food;

(b)

any matters relating to the supply of Healthy Start food; and

(c)

any other relevant factors.

(6)

Where the power in paragraph (4) is exercised, the Secretary of State must publish, in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate—

(a)

the revised voucher or credit value; and

(b)

the date from which the revision is to apply.”.