Social Security Fraud Act 2001 Explanatory Notes

1. Introduction

   1. Structure of the notes

2. Overview

   1. Background to the Act

   2. The measures in the Act

      1. Obtaining and Sharing Information

      2. Loss of Benefit Provisions

      3. Penalties as an Alternative to Prosecution

      4. Offences

3. Information Sharing

   1. Background

   2. Recent developments

   3. The measures in the Act

   4. Clause 1: Additional powers to obtain information

   5. Clause 2: Electronic access to information

   6. Clause 3: Code of practice about use of information powers

   7. Clause 4: Arrangements for payments in respect of information

4. Commentary on Clauses 1 to 4

   1. Clause 1: Additional powers to obtain information

   2. Clause 2: Electronic access to information

   3. Clause 3: Code of Practice about use of information powers

   4. Clause 4: Arrangements for payments in respect of information

   5. Exchanging Information

      1. Clause 5: Exchange of information with overseas authorities

         1. Background

         2. Recent developments

         3. The measures in the Act

5.  Commentary on Clause 5

   1. Exchange of information with overseas authorities

   2. Clause 6: Exchange of information by authorities administering benefit

      1. The measures in the Act

6. Commentary on Clause 6

   1. Exchange of information by authorities administering benefit

7. Loss of Benefit Provisions

   1. Clauses 7 to 13

      1. Background

      2. The measures in the Act

8. Commentary on Clauses 7 to 13

   1. Clause 7: Loss of benefit for commission of benefit offences

   2. Clause 8: Effect of offence on joint-claim Jobseeker's Allowance

   3. Clause  9: Effect of offence on benefits for members of offender’s family

   4. Clause 10: Power to supplement and mitigate loss of benefit provisions

   5. Clause 11: Loss of benefit regulations

   6. Clause 12: Consequential amendments

   7. Clause 13: Interpretation of sections

9. Penalties as an Alternative to Prosecution

   1. Clause 14

      1. Delegation of functions

         1. Background

         2. The measures in the Act

10. Commentary on Clause 14

    1. Delegation of Functions

    2. Clause 15

       1. Colluding Employers

          1. Background

          2. The measures in the Act

11. Commentary on Clause 15

    1. Colluding Employers

    2. Offence of failing to notify a change of circumstances

12. Commentary on Clause 16

13. Offences

    1. Clause 17

       1. Time Limit for Proceedings in Scotland

          1. Background

          2. The measures in the Act

14. Commentary on Clause 17

15. Commencement

16. Hansard References