Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends the Income-related Benefits (Subsidy to Authorities) Order 1998 (S.I. 1998/562) (“the principal Order”) which provides for subsidy to be payable to authorities administering housing benefit and council tax benefit. The amendments make further provision for subsidy payments in relation to a scheme (“the new incentive scheme”) which introduces new terms, including incentives and rewards, relating to local authorities' anti-fraud activities. Section 140F(2) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c. 5) authorises the varying of an Order before, during or after the year to which it relates. The amendments made by this Order have effect from 1st April 2001.

Article 2 inserts a definition of “new incentive scheme” for the general purposes of the principal Order and removes the existing definition which has more limited effect.

Article 3 amends article 14 of the principal Order consequent on the amendments made by article 4 of this Order.

Article 4 amends article 18 of the principal Order by inserting a definition of “claimant error overpayment” and changing some of the rates at which additions are made to subsidy payable to authorities operating the new incentive scheme.

This Order does not impose a charge on business.