Pensions Act 2007

8 Removal of link between lower earnings limit and basic pension: Northern Ireland

(1) Section 5 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (c. 7) (earnings limits and thresholds for Class 1 contributions) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1) (limits and thresholds to be specified in regulations) for the words from “in the case of” to the end substitute “in the case of the upper earnings limit shall be made in accordance with subsection (3) below.”

(3) Omit subsection (2) (link between lower earnings limit and weekly rate of basic pension).

(4) Subsections (2) and (3) have effect in relation to the tax year following the designated tax year (see section 5(4)) and subsequent tax years.

(5) In section 172 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (Assembly, etc. control of regulations and orders)—

(a) in subsection (9) for “(11), (11A) and” substitute “(11) to”; and

(b) after subsection (11) insert—

“(11ZA) A statutory instrument containing (whether alone or with other provisions) regulations under section 5 specifying the lower earnings limit for—

(a) the tax year following the designated tax year (see section 5(4) of the Pensions Act 2007), or

(b) any subsequent tax year,

shall not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.”