These Regulations are made by virtue of, or in consequence of, provisions in the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act (Northern Ireland) 2000 (“the Act”). The Regulations supplement changes introduced by the Act to the decision-making process for housing benefit and to the new appeals system.

Part I contains provisions relating to citation, commencement, interpretation and service of documents. It also includes a provision as to treating a person as a person affected by a decision.

Part II makes provision as to the circumstances in which a relevant authority may revise or supersede decisions, when such decisions take effect and related procedural matters.

Part III makes provision for the suspension and termination of housing benefit and decisions involving issues that arise in appeals in other cases.

Part IV and the Schedule make provision in respect of rights of appeal and procedure for bringing appeals.

Part V makes provision in respect of appeal tribunal composition and procedure.

The enabling provisions in the Act, under which these Regulations are made, were brought into operation, for the purpose only of authorising the making of regulations, on 22nd November 2000 by virtue of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security (2000 Act) (Commencement No. 1) Order (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R. 2000 No. 358 (C. 16)).

As these Regulations are made by virtue of, or are consequential upon, provisions of the Act and are made before the end of the period of 6 months from the commencement of those provisions, they are, accordingly, exempt, by virtue of section 150(5)(b) of the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992, from prior reference to the Social Security Advisory Committee.

These Regulations do not impose a charge on business.