Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987 (S.I. 1987/1967), the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/207), the Housing Benefit (General) Regulations 1987 (S.I. 1987/1971) and the Council Tax Benefit (General) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 1992/1814) (“the principal sets of regulations”).

In particular, Regulations 2, 3, 4(3) and 5(3) provide for income disregards in respect of war widowers’ pensions under the principal sets of regulations.

Under sections 134 and 139 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 authorities administering housing and council tax benefit may modify their schemes to provide for disregarding all or any part of a war widow’s pension in calculating a claimant’s income. In respect of both of these benefits, regulations 4(2) and 5(2) will enable them to make corresponding provision in respect of war widowers’ pensions.

Regulation 6 also amends Schedule 3 to the Income Support (General) Regulations and Schedule 2 to the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations to extend the 52 week linking provisions to claimants whose housing costs are met in part.

These Regulations do not impose any charge on business.