Explanatory note

Section 21(1)(b) of the National Assistance Act 1948 (provision by local authorities of temporary accommodation for persons in urgent need thereof) is repealed on 1st December 1977 by section 20(4) of the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977. Councils of non-metropolitan counties, which have functions under section 21(1)(b) of the Act of 1948, are not housing authorities with duties under the Act of 1977. Councils of non-metropolitan districts are such housing authorities.

This Order provides for the transfer, from councils of non-metropolitan counties to the councils of districts, of property held for the purposes of section 21(1)(b) of the Act of 1948 and related liabilities, contracts, etc. and, with specified exceptions, of staff employed on 30th November 1977 in the discharge of functions under that provision or employed by agreement, after that date, in the discharge of the functions of the district council under the Act of 1977. Staff may be transferred under schemes made by county councils or in accordance with general principles of transfer, and provision is made for the protection of their interests. The transfer of both staff and property will take place on 1st April 1978.