Explanatory note

This Order appoints 2nd December 2002 as the day for the coming into operation of certain provisions of the State Pension Credit Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 for the purposes of making regulations or orders. The provisions are sections 1 to 7, 9, 11 to 13, 14 (except for consequential amendments in paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 affecting housing benefit) and 15 to 17.

This Order also appoints 14th January 2003 as the day for the coming into operation of sections 17(1) and 18 of the State Pension Credit Act (Northern Ireland) 2002. Section 18 amends section 43(1) of the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993 (c. 49) to provide for equal treatment for widows and widowers in connection with the treatment of their guaranteed minimum pensions.

This Order does not impose a charge on business.