This Order modifies Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998 (c.46). Schedule 5 is concerned with matters which are outside the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.

Article 2 provides an exception to the social security reservation at Section F1 of Part 2 of Schedule 5. This exception gives the Scottish Parliament competence to legislate for financial or other assistance provided to or in respect of individuals for the purposes specified in the exception. Certain types of assistance which could otherwise fall within the exception are specifically excluded from the exception.

Article 3 modifies certain enactments so that they have effect, in relation to things done after this Order comes into force, as if the exception to the reservation was in force when the enactment was passed or made.