Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016

14 Changes to child element of universal credit

(1) Section 10 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 (responsibility for children and young persons) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (4).

(2) After subsection (1) insert—

“(1A) But the amount mentioned in subsection (1) is to be available in respect of a maximum of two persons who are either children or qualifying young persons for whom a claimant is responsible.”

(3) In subsection (2)—

(a) for “if such a” substitute “for each”;

(b) after “person” insert “for whom a claimant is responsible who”.

(4) In subsection (4), at the end insert “or (1A)”.

(5) In the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/376)—

(a) in regulation 24(1) (the child element), after “responsible” insert “and in respect of whom an amount may be included under section 10”;

(b) in regulation 36 (table showing amount of elements), in the table—

(i) omit the row under “Child element” showing the amount for first child or qualifying young person;

(ii) in the row under “Child element” showing the amount for second and each subsequent child or qualifying young person, for “second and each subsequent” substitute “each”.

(6) The Secretary of State may by regulations make such transitional or transitory provision or savings as the Secretary of State considers necessary or expedient in connection with the coming into force of this section.

(7) Regulations under subsection (6) must be made by statutory instrument.

(8) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (6) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.