SCHEDULE II HOUSING COSTS

The standard rate

F19.

(1)

The standard rate is the rate of interest applicable per annum to a loan which qualifies under this Schedule.

(2)

F2Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, the standard rate is to be the average mortgage rate published by the Bank of England in August 2010.

(2A)

The standard rate is to be varied each time that sub-paragraph (2B) applies.

(2B)

This sub-paragraph applies when, on any reference day, the Bank of England publishes an average mortgage rate which differs by 0.5% or more from the standard rate that applies on that reference day (whether by virtue of sub-paragraph (2) or of a previous application of this sub-paragraph).

(2C)

The average mortgage rate published on that reference day then becomes the new standard rate in accordance with sub-paragraph (2D).

(2D)

Any variation in the standard rate by virtue of sub-paragraphs (2A) to (2C) comes into effect—

(a)

for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2B) (in consequence of its first and any subsequent application), on the day after the reference day referred to in sub-paragraph (2C);

(b)

for the purpose of calculating the weekly amount of housing costs to be met under this Schedule, on the day specified by the Secretary of State.

(2E)

In this paragraph—

“average mortgage rate” means the effective interest rate (non-seasonally adjusted) of United Kingdom resident banks and building societies for loans to households secured on dwellings published by the Bank of England in respect of the most recent period for that rate specified at the time of publication;

“reference day” means any day falling after 1st October 2010.

F3(3)

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F4(4)

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F4(5)

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F4(6)

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