The Social Security Act 1998 (Commencement No. 1) Order 1998

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order provides for the coming into force on 8th September 1998 of the following provisions of the Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14)—

sections 2 and 3 (except section 2(2)(a)) which relate to the use of computers and the use of information;

sections 16(4) and (5) (except section 16(4)(b)), 48, 49, 50(1), 52, 55 and 59, which relate to National Insurance contributions;

section 68 which relates to the rates of short-term incapacity benefit;

section 86(1) (minor and consequential amendments) in so far as it relates to paragraphs 27(a), 49, 56, 71(d), 77(6) to (9), (11) and (14) to (16), 91, 99(1) and (4), 110(1)(a) and 114 of Schedule 7; and

section 86(2) in so far as it relates to certain repeals consequential upon the coming into force of the above provisions.

Some of the provisions mentioned above which relate to National Insurance contributions are brought into force only for the purpose of authorising the making of Regulations or Orders.

In addition, section 73 of the Social Security Act 1998 (which relates to statutory sick pay) is brought into force on 6th April 1999 and section 75 of that Act (which relates to overpayments out of the social fund) is brought into force on 5th October 1998.

Further provisions relating to National Insurance contributions are brought into force on 6th April 1999. These include those provisions brought partially into force on 8th September 1998 together with section 16(4)(b), sections 53 and 65 and certain consequential amendments relating to Class 1B National Insurance contributions.

Article 3 contains a saving with respect to the levy of Class 4 National Insurance contributions with income tax.

The cost to business of the commencement of provisions in the Social Security Act 1998 is detailed in the Compliance Cost Assessment laid before both Houses of Parliament when the Social Security Bill was introduced on 9th July 1997. Copies of the Assessment are available from the Department of Social Security, Public Enquiry Office, 1st Floor, the Adelphi, 1—11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT.