Commencement
296.The provisions of the Act will come into force on one or more dates. The commencement order power allows for separate commencement dates in England and Wales but the intention is for the provisions to be commenced in England and Wales at the same time to enable a smooth transfer of responsibilities.
297.Sections relating to interim arrangements for small children’s homes (section 40) and dentists who carry out procedures under general anaesthesia (section 39) will come into force at the earliest opportunity after Royal Assent. It is envisaged that the provisions relating to the General Social Care Council will be in force in October 2001, with the exception of the register of social care staff. Full details for the register will be developed by the GSCC itself and come into force during 2002 at the earliest. It is intended that the National Care Standards Commission will be established in ‘shadow’ form in April 2001, and will begin its registration functions in April 2002. Functions of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools will be in force from September 2001, with the exceptions of provisions in section 79W, which will require suitability checks of people caring for over 7s. These will come into force at a later date. Decisions on commencement in Wales are for the National Assembly to take but are expected to follow a similar timetable as in England.