Search Legislation

Housing Act 1996

 Help about what version

What Version

 Help about advanced features

Advanced Features

Changes to legislation:

Housing Act 1996, SCHEDULE 2 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

Close

Changes to Legislation

Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.

View outstanding changes

Changes and effects yet to be applied to Schedule 2:

Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:

  • Act savings and transitional provisions for amendments by S.I. 2022/1166 by S.I. 2022/1172 Regulations

Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):

Section 51.

SCHEDULE 2E+W Social rented sector: housing complaints

Social landlords required to be member of approved schemeE+W

1(1)A social landlord[F1, other than a local housing authority,] must be a member of an approved scheme covering, or more than one approved scheme which together cover, all his housing activities.E+W

[F2(1A)A social landlord which is a local housing authority must be a member of an approved scheme covering, or more than one scheme which together cover—

(a)action which—

(i)is taken by or on behalf of the authority in its capacity as a registered provider of social housing, and

(ii)is action in connection with its housing activities so far as they relate to the provision or management of social housing (and here “social housing” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008), and

(b)action taken by or on behalf of the authority in connection with the management of dwellings owned by the authority and let on a long lease (and here “long lease” has the meaning given by section 59(3) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987).]

(2)If a social landlord fails to comply with the duty imposed by this paragraph, the Secretary of State may apply to the High Court for an order directing him to comply within a specified period and the High Court may, if it thinks fit, make such an order.

(3)Nothing in this Schedule shall be construed as restricting membership of an approved scheme to social landlords.

Textual Amendments

F1Words in Sch. 2 para. 1(1) inserted (1.4.2013 for E.) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 181(4)(a), 240(2) (with s. 181(11)); S.I. 2013/722, art. 2(c)

F2Sch. 2 para. 1(1A) inserted (1.4.2013 for E.) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 181(4)(b), 240(2) (with s. 181(11)); S.I. 2013/722, art. 2(c)

Commencement Information

I1Sch. 2 para. 1 wholly in force at 1.4.1997 see s. 232(1)-3) and S.I. 1997/618, art. 2 (subject to the limitation in (2) of that art.)

Matters for which scheme must provideE+W

2(1)A scheme shall not be approved for the purposes of this Schedule unless it makes provision for—E+W

1.The establishment or appointment of an independent person to administer the scheme.

2.The criteria for membership for—

(a)social landlords under a duty to be members of an approved scheme, and

(b)other persons.

3.The manner of becoming or ceasing to be a member.

4.The matters about which complaints may be made under the scheme.

5.The grounds on which a matter may be excluded from investigation, including that the matter is the subject of court proceedings or was the subject of court proceedings where judgment on the merits was given.

6.The descriptions of individual who may make a complaint under the scheme.

7.The appointment of an independent individual to be the housing ombudsman under the scheme.

8.The appointment of staff to administer the scheme and to assist the housing ombudsman and the terms upon which they are appointed.

9.A duty of the housing ombudsman to investigate any complaint duly made and not withdrawn, and a power to investigate any complaint duly made but withdrawn, and where he investigates to make a determination.

10.A power of the housing ombudsman to propose alternative methods of resolving a dispute.

11.The powers of the housing ombudsman for the purposes of his investigations, and the procedure to be followed in the conduct of investigations.

[F3(11A.) A power of the housing ombudsman to issue a code of practice about the procedures members of the scheme should have in place for considering complaints against them.

(11B.)A duty of the housing ombudsman to consult—

(a)the Regulator of Social Housing,

(b)members of the scheme, and

(c)individuals who may make complaints under the scheme,

before issuing, revising or replacing any such code.

(11C.)A duty of the housing ombudsman to monitor compliance with a code of practice described in item 11A that it has issued.]

12.The powers of the housing ombudsman on making a determination.

13.The making and publication of annual reports by the housing ombudsman on the discharge of his functions.

14.The manner in which determinations are to be—

(a)communicated to the complainant and the person against whom the complaint was made, and

(b)published.

15.The manner in which the [F4costs of the person administering the scheme and the scheme’s housing ombudsman] are to be defrayed by the members.

16.[F5In the case of a scheme relating to Wales, the] keeping and auditing of accounts and the submission of accounts to the Secretary of State.

[F6 16A. In the case of a scheme relating to England, the keeping of accounts.]

17.The making of annual reports on the administration of the scheme.

18.The manner of amending the scheme.

(2)The Secretary of State may by order amend sub-paragraph (1) by adding to or deleting from it any item or by varying any item for the time being contained in it.

(3)An order under sub-paragraph (2) shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I2Sch. 2 para. 2 wholly in force at 1.8.1996 see s. 232(1)-(3) and S.I. 1996/2048, art. 2 (subject to the limitation in (2) of that art.)

Approval of scheme, or amendment, and withdrawal of approvalE+W

3(1)An application to the Secretary of State for approval of a schemeE+W

[F7(a)may only be made after the applicant has consulted the Regulator of Social Housing,

(b)shall be made in such manner as the Secretary of State may determine, and

(c)shall be accompanied by such information as the Secretary of State may require.]

(2)If it appears to the Secretary of State that the scheme—

(a)provides for the matters specified in paragraph 2, and

(b)is a satisfactory scheme for the purposes of this Schedule,

he shall approve the scheme.

(3)An amendment of an approved scheme is not effective unless approved by the Secretary of State.

Sub-paragraph (1) applies in relation to an application for approval of an amendment as it applies to an application for approval of a scheme; and the Secretary of State shall approve the amendment if it appears to him that the scheme as amended meets the conditions in sub-paragraph (2).

(4)The Secretary of State may withdraw his approval of a scheme.

(5)If the Secretary of State proposes to withdraw his approval of a scheme, he shall serve on the person administering the scheme and on the housing ombudsman under the scheme, a notice stating—

(a)that he proposes to withdraw his approval,

(b)the grounds for the proposed withdrawal of his approval, and

(c)that the person receiving the notice may make representations with respect to the proposed withdrawal of approval within such period of not less than 14 days as is specified in the notice;

and he shall, before reaching a decision on whether to withdraw approval, consider any representations duly made to him.

(6)The Secretary of State shall give notice of his decision on a proposal to withdraw approval of a scheme, together with his reasons, to every person on whom he served a notice under sub-paragraph (5).

(7)Withdrawal of approval by the Secretary of State has effect from such date as is specified in the notice of his decision.

(8)Where the person administering a scheme is given notice of a decision to withdraw approval of the scheme, he shall give notice of the decision to every member of the scheme.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I3Sch. 2 para. 3 wholly in force at 1.8.1996 see s. 232(1)-(3) and S.I. 1996/2048, art. 2 (subject to the limitation in (2) of that art.)

Notice to be given of becoming a member of an approved schemeE+W

4(1)A social landlord who—E+W

(a)becomes a member of an approved scheme, or

(b)is a member of a scheme which becomes an approved scheme,

shall, within the period of 21 days beginning with the date of becoming a member or, as the case may be, of being informed of the Secretary of State’s approval of the scheme, give notice of that fact to the [F8Regulator of Social Housing] .

(2)The [F8Regulator of Social Housing], on receiving the notice, shall record his membership of an approved scheme.

(3)A person who fails to comply with sub-paragraph (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

Proceedings for such an offence may be brought only by or with the consent of the [F8Regulator of Social Housing] or the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Textual Amendments

F8Words in Sch. 2 substituted (1.4.2010) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), ss. 124(1), 325(1); S.I. 2010/862, art. 2 (with Sch.)

Commencement Information

I4Sch. 2 para. 4 wholly in force at 1.8.1996 see s. 232(1)-(3) and S.I. 1996/2048, art. 2 (subject to the limitation in (2) of that art.)

Withdrawal from approved schemeE+W

5(1)A social landlord wishing to withdraw from membership of an approved scheme shall send notice of his proposed withdrawal to the [F8Regulator of Social Housing] .E+W

(2)The notice shall specify—

(a)the housing activities in relation to which he is subject to investigation under the scheme,

(b)the approved scheme or schemes of which he is also a member or will, on his withdrawal, become a member, and

(c)under which scheme or schemes the housing activities mentioned in paragraph (a) will be subject to investigation after his withdrawal.

(3)If the [F8Regulator of Social Housing] is satisfied that withdrawal by the landlord from the scheme will not result in a failure to comply with his duty under paragraph 1, it shall confirm the landlord’s withdrawal from the scheme.

(4)If the [F8Regulator of Social Housing] is not so satisfied, it shall withhold confirmation of the landlord’s withdrawal from the scheme; and the landlord shall continue to be a member of the scheme and bound and entitled under the scheme accordingly.

Textual Amendments

F8Words in Sch. 2 substituted (1.4.2010) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), ss. 124(1), 325(1); S.I. 2010/862, art. 2 (with Sch.)

Commencement Information

I5Sch. 2 para. 5 wholly in force at 1.8.1996 see s. 232(1)-(3) and S.I. 1996/2048, art. 2 (subject to the limitation in (2) of that art.)

Register of approved schemesE+W

6(1)The [F8Regulator of Social Housing] shall maintain a register of schemes approved by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this Schedule and of the social landlords who are members of those schemes.E+W

(2)The Secretary of State shall give notice to the [F9Housing Corporation]

(a)when he grants or withdraws his approval of a scheme, and

(b)when he approves an amendment of a scheme,

and he shall supply the [F9Housing Corporation] with copies of any approved scheme or any amendment to a scheme.

(3)A member of the public shall be entitled, upon payment of such fees as the [F8Regulator of Social Housing] may determine, to receive a copy of an approved scheme and a list of the social landlords who are members of it.

Textual Amendments

F8Words in Sch. 2 substituted (1.4.2010) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), ss. 124(1), 325(1); S.I. 2010/862, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F9Words in Sch. 2 para. 6(2) substituted (1.11.1998) by 1998 c. 38, s. 140, Sch. 16 para. 97(2) (with ss. 139(2), 141(1), 143(2)); S.I. 1998/2244, art.5.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I6Sch. 2 para. 6 wholly in force at 1.8.1996 see s. 232(1)-(3) and S.I. 1996/2048, art. 2 (subject to the limitation in (2) of that art.)

Determinations by housing ombudsmanE+W

7(1)A housing ombudsman under an approved scheme shall [F10, in accordance with the scheme,] investigate any complaint duly made to him [F11under the scheme], and where he investigates a complaint he shall determine it by reference to what is, in his opinion, fair in all the circumstances of the case.E+W

(2)He may in his determination—

(a)order the member of a scheme against whom the complaint was made to pay compensation to the complainant, and

(b)order that the member or the complainant shall not exercise or require the performance of any of the contractual or other obligations or rights existing between them.

[F12(2A)Sub-paragraph (2B) applies where during an investigation of a complaint against a member of the scheme, a housing ombudsman identifies that the member’s policies or practices in relation to a matter may give rise to further complaints about that matter.

(2B)The housing ombudsman may, in the ombudsman’s determination of the complaint, order the member to review their policy or practice on that matter.]

(3)If the member against whom the complaint was made fails to comply with the determination within a reasonable time, the housing ombudsman may order him to publish in such manner as the ombudsman sees fit that he has failed to comply with the determination.

(4)Where the member is not a social landlord, the housing ombudsman may also order that the member—

(a)be expelled from the scheme, and

(b)publish in such manner as the housing ombudsman sees fit that he has been expelled and the reasons for his expulsion.

(5)If a person fails to comply with an order under sub-paragraph (3) or (4)(b), the housing ombudsman may take such steps as he thinks appropriate to publish what the member ought to have published and recover from the member the costs of doing so.

(6)A member who is ordered by the housing ombudsman to pay compensation or take any other steps has power to do so, except that a member which is also a charity shall not do anything contrary to its trusts.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I7Sch. 2 para. 7 wholly in force at 1.4.1997 see s. 232(1)-(3) and S.I. 1997/618, art. 2 (subject to the limitation in (2) of that art.)

[F13Complaints must be referred by designated person unless paragraph 7B appliesE+W

Textual Amendments

F13Sch. 2 paras. 7A-7D and cross-headings inserted (1.4.2013 for E. for the insertion of Sch. 2 paras. 7A-7C) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 180(1), 240(2) (with s. 180(3)(4)); S.I. 2013/722, art. 2(a) (with art. 3)

F147AE+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Complaints that need not be made by way of referral by designated personE+W

F147BE+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Designated tenant panelsE+W

F147CE+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Enforcement of a housing ombudsman's determinationsE+W

7D(1)The Secretary of State may by order make provision for, or in connection with, authorising a housing ombudsman under an approved scheme to apply to a court or tribunal for an order that a determination made by the ombudsman may be enforced as if it were an order of a court.E+W

(2)Before the Secretary of State makes an order under sub-paragraph (1), the Secretary of State must consult—

(a)one or more bodies appearing to the Secretary of State to represent the interests of social landlords,

(b)one or more bodies appearing to the Secretary of State to represent the interests of other members of approved schemes,

(c)one or more bodies appearing to the Secretary of State to represent the interests of tenants, and

(d)such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(3)The Secretary of State's power to make an order under sub-paragraph (1) is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(4)A statutory instrument containing an order made by the Secretary of State under sub-paragraph (1) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

Publication of determinations, &c.E+W

8(1)A housing ombudsman under an approved scheme may publish—E+W

(a)his determination on any complaint, and

(b)such reports as he thinks fit on the discharge of his functions.

(2)He may include in any such determination or report statements, communications, reports, papers or other documentary evidence obtained in the exercise of his functions.

(3)In publishing any determination or report, a housing ombudsman shall have regard to the need for excluding so far as practicable—

(a)any matter which relates to the private affairs of an individual, where publication would seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual, and

(b)any matter which relates specifically to the affairs of a member of an approved scheme, where publication would seriously and prejudicially affect its interests, unless the inclusion of that matter is necessary for the purposes of the determination or report.

Commencement Information

I8Sch. 2 para. 8 wholly in force at 1.4.1997 see s. 232(1)-(3) and S.I. 1997/618, art. 2 (subject to the limitation in (2) of that art.)

Absolute privilege for communications, &c.E+W

9E+WFor the purposes of the law of defamation absolute privilege attaches to—

(a)any communication between a housing ombudsman under an approved scheme and any person by or against whom a complaint is made to him,

(b)any determination by such an ombudsman, and

(c)the publication of such a determination or any report under paragraph 8.

Commencement Information

I9Sch. 2 para. 9 wholly in force at 1.4.1997 see s. 232(1)-(3) and S.I. 1997/618, art. 2 (subject to the limitation in (2) of that art.)

Appointment and status of housing ombudsmanE+W

10(1)Where an approved scheme provides that it shall be administered by a body corporate, that body shall appoint on such terms as it thinks fit the housing ombudsman for the purposes of the scheme and the appointment and its terms shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of State.E+W

(2)Where an approved scheme does not so provide—

(a)the housing ombudsman for the purposes of the scheme shall be appointed by the Secretary of State on such terms as the Secretary of State thinks fit,

(b)the Secretary of State may by order provide that the housing ombudsman for the purposes of the scheme shall be a corporation sole, and

(c)the staff to administer the scheme and otherwise assist the ombudsman in the discharge of his functions shall be appointed and employed by him.

(3)The Secretary of State may at any time remove from office a housing ombudsman (whether appointed by him or otherwise).

(4)A housing ombudsman appointed by the Secretary of State or otherwise shall not be regarded as the servant or agent of the Crown or as enjoying any status, privilege or immunity of the Crown or as exempt from any tax, duty, rate, levy or other charge whatsoever, whether general or local, and any property held by him shall not be regarded as property of, or held on behalf of, the Crown.

Commencement Information

I10Sch. 2 para. 10 wholly in force at 1.8.1996 see s. 232(1)-(3) and S.I. 1996/2048, art. 2 (subject to the limitation in (2) of that art.)

[F15Collaborative working with Local CommissionersE+W

Textual Amendments

F15Sch. 2 para. 10A and cross-heading inserted (1.4.2013 for E.) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), ss. 182(8), 240(2); S.I. 2013/722, art. 2(d)

10A(1)If at any stage in the course of conducting an investigation under this Act a housing ombudsman forms the opinion that the complaint relates partly to a matter within the jurisdiction of a Local Commissioner, the ombudsman may, subject to sub-paragraph (2), conduct an investigation under this Act jointly with that Commissioner.E+W

(2)A housing ombudsman must obtain the consent of the complainant or the complainant's representative before agreeing to a joint investigation referred to in sub-paragraph (1).

(3)If a housing ombudsman forms the opinion that a complaint which is being investigated by a Local Commissioner relates partly to a matter within the jurisdiction of the ombudsman, the ombudsman may conduct an investigation jointly with that Commissioner.

(4)If a housing ombudsman conducts an investigation jointly with a Local Commissioner, the requirements of paragraph 7 may be satisfied by a report made jointly with that person.

(5)A joint report made under this paragraph must distinguish determinations of a housing ombudsman from other findings or recommendations.]

Subscriptions payable in respect of approved schemesE+W

11(1)Members of an approved scheme shall pay a subscription, calculated as set out in the scheme, to the person administering the scheme.E+W

[F16(1ZA)The amount of a subscription payable by a member may be calculated by reference to costs incurred, or likely to be incurred, by the person administering the scheme and the scheme’s housing ombudsman in carrying out any of their functions, including costs unconnected with the member and costs unconnected with the operation of the scheme.]

[F17(1A)If a change in the method of calculation under sub-paragraph (1) would result in a member's subscription being more than it would otherwise be, the change may be made only if the Secretary of State approves it.

(1B)An approved scheme's total defrayable [F18costs] for a period may be more than the scheme's total defrayable [F18costs] for the immediately-preceding corresponding period only if the Secretary of State approves the increase.

(1C)In sub-paragraph (1B) “defrayable [F19costs]”, in relation to a scheme, means [F20costs] that are to be defrayed by subscriptions from members of the scheme.]

(2)If a social landlord fails to comply with his duty under paragraph 1, the Secretary of State may determine—

(a)which approved scheme or schemes he should have joined, and

(b)what sums by way of subscription he should have paid,

and may require him to pay those amounts to the person administering the scheme or schemes.

(3)The person administering an approved scheme may recover sums payable under sub-paragraph (1) or (2) as if they were debts due to him.

(4)The Secretary of State F21... may pay grant and provide other financial assistance to—

(a)a body corporate administering an approved scheme, or

(b)in a case where paragraph 10(2) applies, to the housing ombudsman under an approved scheme,

for such purposes and upon such terms as the Secretary of State F22... thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

F21Words in Sch. 2 para. 11(4) repealed (20.5.2009 for specified purposes, 7.9.2009 for E. for specified purposes, 1.4.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), ss. 124(4)(a), 325(1), Sch. 16; S.I. 2009/1261, art. 4; S.I. 2009/2096, art. 2(2)(c) (with art. 3(1)(2)); S.I. 2010/862, arts. 2, 3 (with Sch.)

F22Words in Sch. 2 para. 11(4) repealed (20.5.2009 for specified purposes, 7.9.2009 for E. for specified purposes, 1.4.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), ss. 124(4)(b), 325(1), Sch. 16; S.I. 2009/1261, art. 4; S.I. 2009/2096, art. 2(2)(c) (with art. 3(1)(2)); S.I. 2010/862, arts. 2, 3 (with Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I11Sch. 2 para. 11 wholly in force 1.4.1997; Sch. 2 para. 11 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 232(1)-(3); Sch. 2 para. 11(1)(3)(4) in force at 1.8.1996 by S.I. 1996/2048, art. 2 (subject to the limitation in (2) of that art.); Sch. 2 para. 11 in force at 1.4.1997 so far as not already in force by S.I. 1997/618, art. 2 (subject to the limitation in (2) of that art.)

[F23General provision about ordersE+W

Textual Amendments

F23Sch. 2 para. 12 and cross-heading added (1.4.2010) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), ss. 124(5), 325(1); S.I. 2010/862, art. 2 (with Sch.)

12E+WSection 52 shall apply to an order of the Secretary of State under this Schedule (with any necessary modifications).]

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

You have chosen to open The Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act as a PDF

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Act without Schedules

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open Schedules only

The Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Close

See additional information alongside the content

Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

Impact Assessments

Impact Assessments generally accompany all UK Government interventions of a regulatory nature that affect the private sector, civil society organisations and public services. They apply regardless of whether the regulation originates from a domestic or international source and can accompany primary (Acts etc) and secondary legislation (SIs). An Impact Assessment allows those with an interest in the policy area to understand:

  • Why the government is proposing to intervene;
  • The main options the government is considering, and which one is preferred;
  • How and to what extent new policies may impact on them; and,
  • The estimated costs and benefits of proposed measures.
Close

Timeline of Changes

This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.

Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources