These Regulations amend the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987 (S.I. 1987/1967) (“the Income Support Regulations”), the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/207) (“the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations”), the Housing Benefit (General) Regulations 1987 (S.I. 1987/1971) and the Council Tax Benefit (General) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 1992/1814).

Regulation 2 amends each of these sets of Regulations so as to replace the existing definition of “self-employment route”. The amendment will allow the provisions in these sets of Regulations which relate to the self-employment route to be extended to persons receiving assistance in pursuing self-employed earner’s employment whilst taking part in any programmes provided or arrangements made pursuant to section 2 of the Employment and Training Act 1973 (c. 50) or section 2 of the Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 35).

Regulations 3 and 4 amend the Income Support Regulations and the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations to provide that persons receiving assistance under the self-employment route who do not fall within any of the existing exceptions shall not be treated as engaged in remunerative work.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has no impact on the costs of business.