Explanatory note

These Regulations, by amending the Housing Benefit (Transitional) Regulations 1987 and modifying the Social Security Act 1986, make further transitional provision in connection with the statutory scheme (the “new scheme”) for the granting of rate rebates, rent rebates and rent allowances introduced by the Social Security Act 1986 and the Housing Benefit (General) Regulations 1987 (S.I. 1987/1971). This scheme is to be administered by local, rating and housing authorities (“authorities”).

Regulation 2 enables authorities to make payments on account of entitlement to rebates and allowances in certain circumstances where it is not practical to determine a claim within 14 days. Payments under this provision may be made only in respect of periods ending on or before 30 June 1988.

Regulation 3 modifies the Social Security Act 1986 so as to enable subsidy to be paid in respect of rebates and allowances which fall to be granted under schemes replaced by the new scheme.

These Regulations contain only provisions consequential on sections 20, 28, 29 and 30 of the Social Security Act 1986, and the Housing Benefit (General) Regulations 1987 and are made before the expiry of 12 months from the commencement of those provisions: they are accordingly exempt, by section 61(5) of the Social Security Act 1986, from reference to the Social Security Advisory Committee and have not been so referred.