Paragraph 1

The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision requiring prescribed local authorities or local authorities falling within a prescribed description of authority to provide support, during the interim period, to eligible persons.

“Eligible persons” means—

who appear to be destitute or to be likely to become destitute within such period as may be prescribed.

For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), in Northern Ireland, F1a Health and Social Care trust established under Article 10 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/194 (N.I. 1)) is to be treated as a local authority.