(1)Any regulations to which this subsection applies may be made so as to have effect for a specified period not exceeding [F136 months].
(2)Any regulations which, by virtue of subsection (1), are to have effect for a limited period are referred to in this section 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 subsection (8), subsection (1) applies to—
(a)regulations made under this Act, other than—
(i)regulations made under section 4(2) or (5) which have the effect of reducing any age-related amount or applicable amount; or
(ii)regulations made under section 27;
(b)regulations made under the Administration Act, so far as they relate to a jobseeker’s allowance;
(c)regulations made under Part VII of the Benefits Act (income-related benefits), other than any mentioned in subsection (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 subsection (6)(c) are—
(a)F2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)F2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(c)regulations under section 130(4) of that Act which have the effect of reducing the appropriate maximum housing benefit;
(d)regulations under section 131(10)(a) of that Act which have the effect of reducing the appropriate maximum council tax benefit; and
(e)regulations reducing any of the sums prescribed under section 135(1) of that Act.
(8)Subsection (1) applies only if the regulations are made with a view to [F3ascertaining whether their provisions will, or will be likely to, encourage persons to obtain or remain in work or will, or will be likely to, [F4make it more likely that persons will obtain or remain in work or be able to do so.]] [F3testing the extent to which the provision made by the regulations is likely to promote—]
[F3(a)people remaining in work, or
(b)people obtaining or being able to obtain work (or more work or better-paid work).”]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 29(1) substituted (12.11.2009) by Welfare Reform Act 2009 (c. 24), ss. 28(1)(a), 61(1)
F2S. 29(7)(a)(b) repealed (8.4.2003) by Tax Credits Act 2002 (c. 21), ss. 60, 61, Sch. 6; S.I. 2003/962, art. 2(4)(e), Sch. 2
F3Words in s. 29(8) substituted (29.4.2013 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 Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), ss. 49(4), 150(3); S.I. 2013/983, art. 7(1)(b) (with art. 7(2)) (as amended: (1.7.2013) by S.I. 2013/1511, art. 6)
F4Words in s. 29(8) substituted (12.11.2009) by Welfare Reform Act 2009 (c. 24), ss. 28(1)(b), 61(1)