Social Security Administration Act 1992

[F1 [F2 Directions by Secretary of State U.K.

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 138-140G repealed (1.4.2013 in so far as relate to the abolition of council tax benefit) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(3), Sch. 14 Pt. 1; S.I. 2013/358, art. 8(c), Sch. 4 (with arts. 9, 10, Sch. 5)

F2 S. 139D and cross-heading inserted (1.7.1997) by Social Security Administration (Fraud) Act 1997 (c. 47), ss. 8, 25(1); S.I. 1997/1577, art. 2, Sch.

139D Directions U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a copy of a report has been sent to an authority under section 139C(2) above;

(b) a copy of a report has been sent [F3 to the Secretary of State under section 37(1) of or paragraph 3 of Schedule 7 to the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014];

[F4 (ba) a copy of a report has been sent to an authority under section 22(5) or (6) of the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 and to the Secretary of State under section 51(3) of that Act;]

[F5 (bb) a copy of a report has been sent to a local authority under subsection (3) of section 13 of the Local Government Act 1999 and to the Secretary of State under subsection (4A) of that section;]

[F6 (c) a copy of a report under section 102(1)(b) or (c) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 which to any extent relates to the administration of benefit has been sent to a local authority and the Secretary of State under section 102(2) of that Act;]

[F7 (ca) a copy of a report has been sent to a local authority under section 95(7)(b)(i) of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 and to the Secretary of State under subsection (9) of that section];

(d) a copy of a report has been sent to an authority under F8 ... [F9 section 45(5) of the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004] or section 105A(7) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

(2) The Secretary of State may [F10 require] the authority to consider the report and to submit proposals for—

(a) improving its performance in relation to the prevention and detection of fraud relating to benefit or otherwise in relation to the administration of benefit; and

(b) remedying any failings identified by the report.

[F11 (2A) A requirement under subsection (2) above may specify—

(a) any information or description of information to be provided;

(b) the form and manner in which the information is to be provided.

(2B) The authority must respond to a requirement under subsection (2) above before the end of such period (not less than one month after the day on which the requirement is made) as the Secretary of State specifies in the requirement.

(2C) The Secretary of State may extend the period specified under subsection (2B) above.]

[F12 (3) After considering—

(a) the report,

(b) any proposals made by the authority in response to it, and

(c) any other information he thinks is relevant,

the Secretary of State may give directions to the authority under subsection (3A) or (3B) or both.

(3A) Directions under this subsection are directions as to—

(a) standards which the authority is to attain in the prevention and detection of fraud relating to benefit or otherwise in the administration of benefit;

(b) the time within which the standards are to be attained.

(3B) Directions under this subsection are directions to take such action as the Secretary of State thinks necessary or expedient for the purpose of improving the authority’s exercise of its functions—

(a) in relation to the prevention and detection of fraud relating to benefit;

(b) otherwise in relation to the administration of benefit.

(3C) A direction under subsection (3B) may specify the time within which anything is to be done.]

(4) When giving directions to an authority under [F13 subsection (3A)] above, the Secretary of State may make recommendations to the authority setting out any course of action which he thinks it might take to attain the standards which it is directed to attain.

[F14 (4A) If the Secretary of State proposes to give a direction under this section he must give the authority to which the direction is to be addressed an opportunity to make representations about the proposed direction.

(4B) The Secretary of State may specify a period within which representations mentioned in subsection (4A) above must be made.

(4C) The Secretary of State may extend a period specified under subsection (4B) above.

(4D) Subsections (4A) to (4C) do not apply if the Secretary of State thinks that it is necessary for a direction to be given as a matter of urgency.

(4E) If the Secretary of State acts under subsection (4D) he must give in writing to the authority to which the direction is addressed his reasons for doing so.]

(5) In this section “benefit” means housing benefit or council tax benefit.]

Textual Amendments

F3 Words in s. 139D(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2015) by virtue of Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), ss. 37(2)(a), 49(1) (with s. 37(3)); S.I. 2015/841, art. 3(w)

F4 S. 139D(1)(ba) inserted (1.4.2005) by the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (c. 23), Sch. 2 para. 15(2); S.I. 2005/558, art. 2, Sch. 1

F5 S. 139D(1)(bb) inserted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 147(2); S.I. 2008/172, art. 4(b)

F6 S. 139D(1)(c) substituted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), ss. 39(2), 70(2); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(b)

F7 S. 139D(1)(ca) substituted (1.4.2021) by virtue of The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/296), regs. 1(2), 3(4) (with reg. 3(5))

F8 Words in s. 139D(1)(d) omitted (1.4.2015) by virtue of Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), ss. 37(2)(b), 49(1) (with s. 37(3)); S.I. 2015/841, art. 3(w)

F9 Words in s. 139D(1)(d) inserted (1.4.2005) by the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (c. 23), Sch. 2 para. 15(3); S.I. 2005/558, art. 2, Sch. 1

F10 Word in s. 139D(2) substituted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), ss. 39(4), 70(2); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(b)

F11 S. 139D(2A)-(2C) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), ss. 39(5), 70(2); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(b)

F12 S. 139D(3)-(3C) substituted for s. 139D(3) (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), ss. 39(6), 70(2); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(b)

F13 Words in s. 139D(4) substituted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), ss. 39(7), 70(2); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(b)

F14 S. 139D(4A)-(4E) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), ss. 39(8), 70(2); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(b)

[F15 139DA Directions: variation and revocation E+W+S

(1) The Secretary of State may at any time in accordance with this section vary or revoke a direction under section 139D above.

(2) A direction may be varied or revoked only if the Secretary of State thinks it is necessary to do so—

(a) in consequence of representations made by the authority to which the direction is addressed,

(b) to rectify an omission or error, or

(c) in consequence of a material change in circumstances.

(3) The Secretary of State must not vary a direction unless he first—

(a) sends a copy of the proposed variation to the authority concerned,

(b) gives the authority his reasons for making the variation, and

(c) gives the authority an opportunity to make representations about the proposed variation.

(4) The Secretary of State may specify a period of not less than one month within which representations mentioned in subsection (3)(c) above must be made.

(5) The Secretary of State may extend a period specified under subsection (4) above.]

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 139DA inserted (1.4.2008) by Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 39(9); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(b)

[F16 139E Information about attainment of standards U.K.

(1) Where directions have been given to an authority under [F17 section 139D(3A) or (3B)] above, the Secretary of State may require the authority to supply to him any information which he considers may assist him in deciding—

(a) whether the authority has attained the standards which it has been directed to attain;

[F18 (aa) whether the authority has taken the action which it has been directed to take;] or

(b) whether the authority is likely to attain those standards [F19 or take that action] within the time specified in the directions.

(2) Information shall be supplied under subsection (1) above in such manner and form as the Secretary of State may require.

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 139E-139H inserted (1.7.1997) by Social Security Administration (Fraud) Act 1997 (c. 47), ss. 9, 25(1); S.I. 1997/1577, art. 2, Sch.

F17 Words in s. 139E(1) substituted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 5(a); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c).

F18 S. 139E(1)(aa) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 5(b); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c).

F19 Words in s. 139E(1)(b) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 5(c); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c).

139F Enforcement notices U.K.

(1) Where directions have been given to an authority under [F20 section 139D(3A) or (3B)] above and the Secretary of State—

(a) is not satisfied that the authority has attained the standards which it has been directed to attain;

[F21 (aa) is not satisfied that the authority has taken the action which it has been directed to take;] or

(b) is not satisfied that the authority is likely to attain those standards [F22 or take that action] within the time specified in the directions,

he may serve on the authority a written notice under this section.

(2) The notice shall—

(a) identify the directions and state why the Secretary of State is not satisfied as mentioned in paragraph (a)[F23 , (aa)] or (b) of subsection (1) above; and

(b) require the authority to submit a written response to the Secretary of State within a time specified in the notice.

(3) If any person (other than the authority) carrying out work relating to the administration of benefit may be affected by any determination which may be made under section 139G below, the authority shall—

(a) consult that person before submitting its response; and

(b) include in its response any relevant observations made by that person.

(4) [F24 If the notice identifies directions under section 139D(3A),] the authority’s response shall either—

(a) state that the authority has attained the standards, or is likely to attain them within the time specified in the directions, and justify that statement; or

(b) state that the authority has not attained the standards, or is not likely to attain them within that time, and (if the authority wishes) give reasons why a determination under section 139G below should not be made or should not include any particular provision.

[F25 (4A) If the notice identifies directions under section 139D(3B), the authority’s response shall either—

(a) state that the authority has taken the action, or is likely to take it within the time specified in the directions, and justify that statement; or

(b) state that the authority has not taken the action, or is not likely to take it within that time, and (if the authority wishes) give reasons why a determination under section 139G below should not be made or should not include any particular provision.]

(5) The notice may relate to any one or more matters covered by the directions.

(6) The serving of a notice under this section relating to any directions or matter does not prevent the serving of further notices under this section relating to the same directions or matter.

(7) In this section “benefit” means housing benefit or council tax benefit.

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 139E-139H inserted (1.7.1997) by Social Security Administration (Fraud) Act 1997 (c. 47), ss. 9, 25(1); S.I. 1997/1577, art. 2, Sch.

F20 Words in s. 139F(1) substituted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 6(2)(a); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c)

F21 S. 139F(1)(aa) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 6(2)(b); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c)

F22 Words in s. 139F(1)(b) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 6(2)(c); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c)

F23 Word in s. 139F(2)(a) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 6(3); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c)

F24 Words in s. 139F(4) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 6(4); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c).

F25 S. 139F(4A) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 6(5); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c)

139G Enforcement determinations U.K.

(1) Where, after the time specified in the notice under section 139F above has expired, the Secretary of State—

(a) is not satisfied that the authority has attained the standards [F26 or taken the action] in question; or

(b) is not satisfied that the authority is likely to attain those standards [F27 or take that action] within the time specified in the directions,

he may make a determination under this section.

(2) The determination may be made whether or not the authority has responded to the notice under section 139F above.

(3) The determination shall be designed to secure the attainment of the standards [F28 or the taking of the action] in question and—

(a) shall include provision such as is specified in subsection (4) below; and

(b) may also include provision such as is specified in subsection (5) below.

(4) The provision referred to in paragraph (a) of subsection (3) above is provision that the authority must comply with specified requirements as to inviting, preparing, considering and accepting bids to carry out any work which—

(a) falls to be carried out in pursuance of the authority’s functions relating to the administration of benefit; and

(b) is of a description specified in the determination.

(5) The provision referred to in paragraph (b) of that subsection is provision of any one or more of the following kinds relating to the work, or any specified category of the work, to which the determination relates—

(a) provision that it may not be carried out by the authority;

(b) provision that it may not be carried out by any person (other than the authority) who has been carrying it out; and

(c) provision that any contract made by the authority with any person for carrying it out shall include terms requiring a level of performance which will secure, or contribute to securing, the attainment of the standards [F29 or the taking of the action] in question.

(6) In this section “benefit” means housing benefit or council tax benefit.

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 139E-139H inserted (1.7.1997) by Social Security Administration (Fraud) Act 1997 (c. 47), ss. 9, 25(1); S.I. 1997/1577, art. 2, Sch.

F26 Words in s. 139G(1) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 7(2)(a); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c)

F27 Words in s. 139G(1) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 7(2)(b); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c)

F28 Words in s. 139G(3) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 7(3); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c)

F29 Words in s. 139G(5)(c) inserted (1.4.2008) by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 5 para. 7(3); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(c)

139H Enforcement determinations: supplementary U.K.

(1) The provisions included in a determination under section 139G above shall take effect from a date specified in the determination; and different dates may be specified in relation to different provisions.

(2) The making of a determination under section 139G above in relation to any directions does not prevent the making of further determinations under that section in relation to the same directions.

(3) The provision included in a determination by virtue of section 139G(3) above may include—

(a) requirements that the Secretary of State be satisfied as to any specified matter; and

(b) requirements that the Secretary of State authorise or consent to any specified matter.

(4) The provision so included may also include provision as to the time at which any contract for the carrying out of work to which the determination relates (and which is not previously discharged) is to be taken to be frustrated by the determination.

(5) A determination under section 139G above shall have effect in spite of any enactment under or by virtue of which an authority is required or authorised to carry out any work to which the determination relates.

(6) A determination under section 139G above may make provision having effect, in relation to the work to which it relates, instead of any requirement which (apart from the determination) would have effect in relation to that work under or by virtue of the Local Government Act 1988.]]

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 139E-139H inserted (1.7.1997) by Social Security Administration (Fraud) Act 1997 (c. 47), ss. 9, 25(1); S.I. 1997/1577, art. 2, Sch.