17.—(1) Regulation 8 of the Travel Expenses and Remission of Charges Regulations (notices of entitlement) is amended as follows.
(2) After paragraph (5)(c) insert—
“(d)in the case of a notice issued to a person mentioned in paragraph (5A) it is valid for the length of time specified in that paragraph.”
(3) After paragraph (5) insert—
“(5A) A notice of entitlement issued under paragraph (1) is valid for 5 years beginning on the date of the claim where the claimant is—
(a)a single person aged not less than 65; or
(b)one of a couple where one partner is aged not less than 60 and one partner is aged not less than 65,
who does not receive any—
(i)earnings;
(ii)payments from an occupational pension scheme;
(iii)payments from a personal pension scheme; or
(iv)payments from an annuity contract.
(5B) Paragraph (5A) does not apply to a person who has a dependant child or young person as a member of his household.”.
(4) In paragraph (7) after “Subject to paragraphs” insert “(7A),”.
(5) After paragraph (7) insert—
“(7A) A claimant who is issued with a notice of entitlement which falls under paragraph (5A) must notify the Secretary of State of any change in the composition of his family or household during the life of the notice of entitlement and the Secretary of State may withdraw the notice of entitlement or vary the amounts referred to in paragraph (3)(b) stated on the notice of entitlement if the claimant no longer meets the requirements of paragraphs (5A) and (5B).”.