Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006, the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for state pension credit) Regulations 2006, the Council Tax Benefit Regulations 2006 and the Council Tax Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for state pension credit) Regulations 2006.

Paragraph (2) of regulations 2 to 5 allows a person to claim housing benefit and council tax benefit by telephone. Paragraph (3) of those regulations allows the claimant to amend, by telephone, the claim he made by telephone. Paragraph (4) of those regulations allows the claimant to notify a change of circumstances by telephone or by other means. Sub-paragraphs (2)(a) and (e) of regulation 5 correct errors made during consolidation.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been carried out in respect of these Regulations as they do not impose a cost on business, charities or the voluntary sector.