SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 24Social security, child support and tax credits

Part 10Amendments of the Jobseekers (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (S.I. 1995/2705 (N.I. 15))

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(1)

Amend Article 2 (interpretation) as follows.

(2)

After the definition of “contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance” in paragraph (2) insert—

““couple” means—

(a)

a man and woman who are married to each other and are members of the same household;

(b)

a man and woman who are not married to each other but are living together as husband and wife otherwise than in prescribed circumstances;

(c)

two people of the same sex who are civil partners of each other and are members of the same household; or

(d)

two people of the same sex who are not civil partners of each other but are living together as if they were civil partners otherwise than in prescribed circumstances;”.

(3)

In paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of the definition of “family” in paragraph (2), for “married or unmarried couple” substitute “ couple ”.

(4)

Omit the definitions of “married couple” and “unmarried couple” in paragraph (2).

(5)

After paragraph (2) insert—

“(2A)

For the purposes of this Order, two people of the same sex are to be regarded as living together as if they were civil partners if, but only if, they would be regarded as living together as husband and wife were they instead two people of the opposite sex.”