Pilot schemesN.I.
31.—(1) Any regulations to which this paragraph applies may be made so as to have effect for a specified period not exceeding [F136 months].
(2) Any regulations which, by virtue of paragraph (1), are to have effect for a limited period are referred to in this Article as “a pilot scheme”.
(3) A pilot scheme may provide that its provisions are to apply only in relation to—
(a)one or more specified areas or localities;
(b)one or more specified classes of person;
(c)persons selected—
(i)by reference to prescribed criteria; or
(ii)on a sampling basis.
(4) A pilot scheme may make consequential or transitional provision with respect to the cessation of the scheme on the expiry of the specified period.
(5) A pilot scheme ( “the previous scheme”) may be replaced by a further pilot scheme making the same, or similar, provision (apart from the specified period) to that made by the previous scheme.
(6) Subject to paragraph (8), paragraph (1) applies to—
(a)regulations made under this Order, other than—
(i)regulations made under Article 6(2) or (5) which have the effect of reducing any age-related amount or applicable amount; or
(ii)regulations made under Article 29;
(b)regulations made under the Administration Act, so far as they relate to a jobseekers's allowance;
(c)regulations made under Part VII of the Benefits Act (income-related benefits), other than any mentioned in paragraph (7); and
(d)regulations made under the Administration Act, so far as they relate to income-related benefits payable under Part VII of the Benefits Act.
(7) The regulations referred to in paragraph (6)(c) are—
Sub‐paras. (a) and (b) rep. by 2002 c. 21
(c)regulations under section 129(4) of that Act which have the effect of reducing the appropriate maximum housing benefit; and
(d)regulations reducing any of the sums prescribed under section 131(1) of that Act.
(8) Paragraph (1) applies only if the regulations are made with a view to [F2testing the extent to which the provision made by the regulations is likely to promote—
(a)people remaining in work, or
(b)people obtaining or being able to obtain work (or more work or better-paid work).]
F1Words in art. 31(1) substituted (13.8.2010) by Welfare Reform Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 (c. 13), ss. 22(1)(a), 36(1)(g)
F2Words in art. 31(8) substituted (27.9.2017 for specified purposes and subsequently on the days on which and for the purposes for which "the amending provisions" are brought into force by secondary legislation) by The Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/2006), arts. 2(2), 55(5); S.R. 2017/190, art. 9 (with arts. 10-25)