Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Social Security (Adjudication) Regulations 1986 as follows–

(a)

regulation 1 (interpretation) is amended so that any person who is eligible to be nominated as a chairman of a tribunal may exercise a chairman’s powers;

(b)

regulation 5 (postponement) is amended to enable a chairman to postpone a hearing of his own motion;

(c)

regulation 7 (striking–out of proceedings for want of prosecution) is amended to prevent the re–instatement of an appeal more than 12 months after it is struck out;

(d)

Schedule 2 (time limits for making references) is amended by the provision of a 3 month time limit for the Secretary of State to refer to an adjudication officer a decision which ought to be considered by a medical appeal tribunal.

These Regulations do not impose a charge on business.