(This note is not part of the Order)
The Special Health Authority known as the Health Research Authority (“the Special Health Authority”) is abolished by section 109(3) of the Care Act 2014 on 1st January 2015. On the same day, a new body corporate is to be established to be known as the Health Research Authority (“the HRA”). This Order makes provision for the transfer of staff (article 2) and property, rights and liabilities (article 3) from the Special Health Authority to the HRA on that date. Article 4 makes provision for the HRA to take the necessary action in the winding up of the Special Health Authority’s affairs. Article 5 enables the Health Service Commissioner to investigate any complaint in relation to the Special Health Authority after the transfer date. Article 6 makes provision for the HRA to handle any complaints in relation to the Special Health Authority after that date. Article 7 makes provision for the continuity of things done by, or in relation to, the Special Health Authority. Article 8 and the Schedule to the Order make amendments and revocations consequential on the abolition of the Authority.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as the Order itself has no impact on the private sector or civil society organisations. A full impact assessment has been produced in relation to the provisions of the Act including provisions relating to the abolition of the Special Health Authority and establishment of the HRA. A copy of this impact assessment is available from the libraries of both Houses of Parliament and may also be obtained from the Department of Health, Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2NS or on the Department of Health’s web site at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-government-published-a-series-of-impact-assessments-alongside-the-care-bill.