Explanatory note

These Regulations amend provisions in the Social Security (Claims and Information) Regulations 1999 (“the 1999 Regulations”) relating to the holding, use and supply of information in connection with arrangements made by the Secretary of State, in particular those made under section 2 of the Employment and Training Act 1973.

These Regulations, along with designation orders made under section 72(2)(b) of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (“the 1999 Act”), will allow the Secretary of State, persons providing services to the Secretary of State, training providers, careers advisory services and employers to share social security or employment or training information with each other in connection with arrangements made by the Secretary of State to secure the provision of advice, support and assistance to persons claiming benefit to help them acquire or enhance their skills and qualifications with a view to improving current and future prospects of finding and retaining employment.

The Regulations will also allow the Secretary of State, her service providers and these other persons designated under section 72(2)(b) of the 1999 Act to supply to each other and use information relating to social security or employment or training for the purposes of research, monitoring and evaluation of arrangements made in connection with improving individuals’ current and future prospects of finding and retaining employment. The Regulations also remove references in the 1999 Regulations to the New Deal.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has no impact on the private or voluntary sectors.