Explanatory Memorandum

Welfare Reform Act (Northern Ireland) 2010

2010 CHAPTER 13

13 August 2010

Commentary on Sections

Part 1: Social security

Section 15:  Community care grants relating to specified goods or services

Under the existing law, successful applicants for community care grants may be provided with cash to obtain the goods or services that the award covers. At the direction of the appropriate officer, a payment may be made to a third party to provide the goods or services. These amendments to the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 enable the Department to require that, where the goods or services are covered by arrangements the Department has made with a supplier, the award made must relate to specified goods or services and the payment would be made to the supplier. It is expected that these arrangements will involve the supply of white goods and furniture at a discounted rate.