This Order makes provision for claims for, the calculation of and payment of subsidy payable under the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to authorities administering housing benefit or council tax benefit on and after 1st April 1997; section 140C(4) of that Act gives it retrospective effect.

Part II provides for the time and manner in which claims for subsidy are to be made and, subject to certain conditions in relation to such claims, for when subsidy on those claims is to be paid.

It sets out in Part III the manner in which the total figure for an authority’s subsidy for a financial year beginning on or after 1st April 1997 is calculated (articles 12(a) and 13 to 17 and Schedules 1, 3, 4 and 5) and the manner of calculating the additional sum payable to an authority in respect of the costs of administering those benefits (article 12(b) and Schedules 1 and 2).

The Order also makes provision for additions to and deductions from subsidy (articles 11(2), 13, 18, 19, 20 and 21 and Schedules 1, 3 and 5).

Part IV makes certain transitional and consequential provisions.

This Order does not impose a charge on businesses.