Explanatory note

Part II of the Local Government Act 1992 makes provision for local government changes in England. The Local Government Commission for England conducts a review of a local government area and decides whether to make recommendations to the Secretary of State for the Environment about such changes. Where recommendations for change are made, the Secretary of State may make an order, under section 17 of that Act, giving effect to those recommendations with or without modifications.

These Regulations make incidental, consequential, transitional and supplementary provision for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for the purposes of, and in consequence of, such orders.

They supplement the Local Government Changes for England Regulations 1994 by providing that in relation to various provisions of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 reference to an authority which has been abolished or relinquished part of its area (“an old authority") is also a reference to the authority acquiring that area (“a new authority").

In addition they provide for a new authority to terminate any benefit period granted by an old authority.

These Regulations do not impose a charge on businesses.