The Child Support (Variations) (Modification of Statutory Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

These Regulations are made in connection with applications for variations to the rate of child support maintenance payable under the Child Support (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (“the Order”) consequent upon the introduction of changes to the child support system made by the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act (Northern Ireland) 2000 (“the Act”).

The Regulations contain modifications to Articles 28A to 28F of, and Schedules 4A and 4B to, the Order for the purpose of variation applications made under Article 28G of the Order, as authorised by Article 28G(2) of the Order. Variation applications made under Article 28G of the Order are made where there is a maintenance calculation in force.

Article 28G(2) of the Order, the enabling provision under which these Regulations are made, was substituted by section 7 of the Act. Section 7 of the Act, in so far as not already in operation, was brought into operation on 1st January 2001 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)).

The impact on business of these Regulations was covered in the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Act, in accordance with, and in consequence of which, these Regulations are made. A copy of that Assessment may be obtained free of charge, from Social Security Policy and Legislation Division, Castle Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SQ.