In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires—

• “payment” has the meaning prescribed in regulation 54 of the Income Support Regulations31 (interpretation), but as though sub-paragraph (h) of the definition in that regulation were omitted and as though the reference in it to a “liable relative” were to a liable relative as defined in regulation 2(1) of these Regulations;

• “periodical payment” means—

  1. a

     a payment which is made or due to be made to a resident at regular intervals in pursuance of a court order or agreement for maintenance;

  2. b

     in a case where a liable relative has established a pattern of making payments to a resident at regular intervals, any such payment;

  3. c

     any payment representing a commutation of payments to which sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of this definition applies whether made in arrears or advance,

  but does not include a payment due to be made before the resident was provided with his accommodation.