Explanatory note

This instrument is made before the end of the period of 6 months beginning with the coming into force of the enactment under which the Regulations are made. The Regulations contained in this instrument are accordingly exempt by section 173(5) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992, from reference to the Social Security Advisory Committee and have not been so referred.

Section 115A of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 provides for a person who has caused an overpayment of social security benefit, housing benefit, community charge benefit or council tax benefit, to pay a penalty in lieu of criminal proceedings. In this connection the Secretary of State or local authority may give the person a notice about the agreement to pay a penalty. These Regulations require such a notice to set out certain additional information relating to the operation of these provisions.

These Regulations do not impose any costs on business.