The Social Security Act 1998 (Commencement No. 10 and Transitional Provisions) Order 1999

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order provides for the coming into force on 5th October 1999 of further provisions of the Social Security Act 1998 (“the Act”) so as to introduce on that date—as respects family credit and disability working allowance—the new arrangements for decision-making and appeals provided for in Chapter II of Part I of the Act.

The provisions brought into force by article 2 and Schedule 1 relate in particular to the transfer of decision-making functions from adjudication officers to the Secretary of State, and from social security appeal tribunals and disability appeal tribunals to appeal tribunals constituted under Chapter I of Part I of the Act, and provide for the exercise of such functions under the provisions of Chapter II of that Part (which replace the adjudication arrangements currently in force under Part II of the Social Security Administration Act 1992).

This Order also makes transitional provision, in particular as to the manner in which matters which, immediately before 5th October 1999, are awaiting determination under the existing arrangements for decision-making and appeals are to be dealt with on and after that date.