The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2015 (revoked)

PART 1 U.K. INTRODUCTION

Citation, commencement and effect U.K.

1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2015.

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), this Order shall come into force for the purposes of—

(a) this article and articles 2 and 6, on 1st April 2015;

(b) article 3—

(i) in so far as it relates to any increase to which article 6(9)(b) applies, on 1st April 2015, and

(ii) for all other purposes, on 6th April 2015;

(c) articles 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 13, on 6th April 2015;

(d) article 7, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 1st April 2015, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in regulation 2(1) of the Computation of Earnings Regulations;

(e) articles 11 and 12, on 9th April 2015;

(f) articles 14 to 16, in so far as they relate to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 6th April 2015, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Income Support Regulations;

(g) articles 17 and 18, in relation to a case where rent is payable at intervals of a week or any multiple thereof, on 6th April 2015, and in relation to any other case, on 1st April 2015;

(h) articles 19 and 20, in so far as they relate to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 6th April 2015, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations;

(i) article 21, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 6th April 2015, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the State Pension Credit Regulations;

(j) article 22, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 6th April 2015, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the ESA Regulations 2008;

(k) article 23, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 6th April 2015, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the ESA Regulations 2013;

(l) article 24, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first assessment period to commence for that beneficiary on or after 6th April 2015 M1 , and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “assessment period” has the same meaning as in section 7(2) of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 M2 ; and

(m) article 25, on 5th May 2015.

(3) In so far as articles 3, 4, 8, 13 and 23 relate to a beneficiary in favour of whom an award of universal credit is in force, those articles shall come into force for the purposes of determining the beneficiary's unearned income in relation to that award on the same day as article 24 comes into force for that beneficiary.

(4) The changes made in the sums specified for rates or amounts of benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act or the Pension Schemes Act shall take effect for each case on the date specified in relation to that case in article 6.

Marginal Citations

M1 See S.I. 2014/2888 which amends section 150(10) of the Administration Act and also inserts section 150(10ZA) and (10ZB) into that Act so that it aligns with the monthly assessment period cycle in universal credit.

M2 2012 c. 5.

Interpretation U.K.

2.  In this Order—

“the Administration Act” means the Social Security Administration Act 1992;

“the Computation of Earnings Regulations” means the Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) Regulations 1996 M3 ;

“the Contributions and Benefits Act” means the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 M4 ;

“the ESA Regulations 2008” means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 M5 ;

“the ESA Regulations 2013” means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013 M6 ;

“the Housing Benefit Regulations” means the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006 M7 ;

“the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations” means the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for State Pension Credit) Regulations 2006 M8 ;

“the Income Support Regulations” means the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987 M9 ;

“the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations” means the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations 1996 M10 ;

“the Pension Schemes Act” means the Pension Schemes Act 1993 M11 ;

“the State Pension Credit Regulations” means the State Pension Credit Regulations 2002 M12 ;

“the Universal Credit Regulations” means the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 M13 ; and

“the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act” means the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act 2013 M14 .

Marginal Citations

M3 S.I. 1996/2745; the relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2002/842.

M4 1992 c. 4 (“the Contributions and Benefits Act”).

M5 S.I. 2008/794; the relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2008/2428 and 3195, 2009/2655 and 3228, 2010/1811, 2011/2428 and 2014/516 and 591.

M6 S.I. 2013/379; the relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

M7 S.I. 2006/213; the relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2006/718, 2007/2868, 2008/1082 and 2428, 2009/2608, 2010/793 and 2014/516.

M8 S.I. 2006/214; the relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2006/718, 2007/2869, 2008/3157, 2010/793 and 2014/516.

M9 S.I. 1987/1967; the relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1990/1776, 1995/516, 1613 and 2927, 1996/206, 1803, 2518 and 2545, 1998/766, 1999/2555, 3109 and 3178, 2000/2629, 2001/3651, 2002/2497 and 3019, 2003/455, 2004/2327 and 2825, 2005/3360, 2006/718, 2007/719, 2009/3228, 2010/1811 and 2014/516 and 591.

M10 S.I. 1996/207; the relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1996/1516, 1803, 2518 and 2545, 1998/766, 1999/2555 and 2860, 2000/636, 1978 and 2629, 2001/518 and 3651, 2003/455 and 511, 2004/2327 and 2825, 2006/718, 2007/719, 2008/3195, 2009/1488 and 3228, 2010/1811 and 2014/516 and 591.

M11 1993 c. 48; the relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2005/2050.

M12 S.I. 2002/1792; the relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2002/3197, 2004/2327 and 2825, 2005/3360, 2006/588 and 2378, 2007/2618, 2008/3195, 2010/1811 and 2014/516 and 591.

M13 S.I. 2013/376; the relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2013/1508 and 2014/516.

M14 2013 c. 16.

PART 2 U.K. SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AND PENSIONS

Rates or amounts of certain benefits under the Contributions and Benefits Act U.K.

3.—(1) From and including the respective dates specified in article 6, the sums specified in paragraph (2) shall be increased so that Schedule 4 to the Contributions and Benefits Act (contributory periodical benefits, non-contributory periodical benefits, increases for dependants and rates of industrial injuries benefit), except paragraph 5 of Part III of that Schedule (guardian's allowance), has effect as set out in Schedule 1 to this Order.

(2) The sums mentioned in paragraph (1) are the sums specified in Parts I, III, IV and V of Schedule 4 to the Contributions and Benefits Act except, in—

(a) Part III, the sum specified for age addition to a pension of any category and otherwise under section 79 of that Act;

(b) Part IV, the sums specified in column (2) (increase for qualifying child); and

(c) Part V, the sums specified for the increase in disablement pension for dependent children, widow's pension (initial rate) and death benefit allowance in respect of children and qualifying young persons M15 .

Marginal Citations

M15 Part V of Schedule 4 to the Contributions and Benefits Act was amended by paragraph 15 of Schedule 1 to the Child Benefit Act 2005 (c. 6) (“the 2005 Act”).

Increase in rates or amounts of certain pensions and allowances under the Contributions and Benefits Act U.K.

4.—(1) The sums specified in paragraphs (2) to (5) shall be increased from and including the respective dates specified in article 6.

(2) The sums falling to be calculated under paragraph 13(4) of Schedule 7 to the Contributions and Benefits Act (calculation of weekly rate of a beneficiary's retirement allowance) shall be increased by 1.2 per cent.

(3) In section 44(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act M16 (basic pension in a Category A retirement pension)—

(a) for “£99.90” substitute “ £101.10 ”; and

(b) for “£113.10” substitute “ £115.95 ”.

(4) It is directed M17 that the sums which are—

(a) additional pensions in long-term benefits calculated by reference to any final relevant year earlier than the tax year 2014-2015;

(b) increases in the rates of retirement pensions under Schedule 5 to the Contributions and Benefits Act M18 (pension increase or lump sum where entitlement to retirement pension is deferred);

(c) lump sums to which surviving spouses or civil partners will become entitled under paragraph 7A of that Schedule M19 on becoming entitled to a Category A or Category B retirement pension (entitlement to lump sum where pensioner's deceased spouse or civil partner has deferred entitlement); and

(d) payable to a pensioner as part of their Category A or Category B retirement pension by virtue of an order made under section 126A of the Social Security Act 1975 M20 , section 63 of the Social Security Act 1986 M21 or section 150(1)(e) of the Administration Act,

shall in each case be increased by 1.2 per cent.

(5) The sums which, under—

(a) section 55A of the Contributions and Benefits Act M22 , are shared additional pensions; and

(b) paragraph 2 of Schedule 5A to the Contributions and Benefits Act M23 , are increases in the rates of such pensions,

shall in each case be increased by 1.2 per cent.

Marginal Citations

M16 Section 44(4) was substituted by section 68 of the 1998 Act.

M17 See section 151(1) of the Administration Act.

M18 Schedule 5 was amended by paragraph 42 of Schedule 8 to the 1993 Act, paragraph 40 of Schedule 1 to the 1994 Act, paragraphs 6 and 21 of Schedule 4, and Schedule 7, to the Pensions Act 1995, section 39 of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000 (c. 19) (“the 2000 Act”), Schedule 6 to the Tax Credits Act, paragraphs 2 to 14 of Schedule 11 to the Pensions Act 2004 (c. 35), paragraphs 19 and 20 of Schedule 1, and Schedule 7, to the Pensions Act 2007 and S.I. 2005/2053 and 2014/560 and 3168.

M19 Paragraph 7A was inserted by paragraph 11 of Schedule 11 to the Pensions Act 2004 and amended by paragraph 5(11) of the Schedule to S.I. 2005/2053.

M20 1975 c. 14; section 126A was inserted by section 12 of the Social Security Act 1979 (c. 18) and repealed by section 86 of, and Schedule 11 to, the Social Security Act 1986 (c. 50).

M21 Section 63 was repealed by Schedule 1 to the Social Security (Consequential Provisions) Act 1992 (c. 6).

M22 Section 55A was inserted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 6 to the 1999 Act and amended by section 41(3) of the 2000 Act.

M23 Schedule 5A was inserted by paragraph 15 of Schedule 11 to the Pensions Act 2004.

Increase in rates or amount of certain benefits under the Pension Schemes Act U.K.

5.—(1) It is directed M24 that the sums specified in paragraph (2) shall be increased from and including the respective dates specified in article 6.

(2) Sums which are payable by virtue of section 15(1) of the Pension Schemes Act (which provides for increases in a person's guaranteed minimum pension if payment of their occupational pension is postponed after they attain pensionable age) to a person who is also entitled to a Category A or Category B retirement pension (including sums payable by virtue of section 17(2) M25 and (3) of that Act) shall be increased by 1.2 per cent. where the increase under section 15(1) is attributable to earnings factors for the tax year 1987-88 and earlier tax years M26 .

Marginal Citations

M24 See section 151(2) of the Administration Act.

M25 Section 17(2) was amended by paragraph 4(b) of Schedule 1 to S.I. 2005/2050.

M26 See section 151(4) of the Administration Act. Under section 151(4), where an increment under section 15(1) of the 1993 Act is increased by an order under section 109 of that Act, the increase that would otherwise fall to be made by this Order is reduced by the amount of the increase under section 109. Section 109 of the 1993 Act was amended by section 55 of the Pensions Act 1995. The Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/470) provides for an increase of 1.2 per cent where the increase under section 15(1) is attributable to the tax years 1988-89 and subsequent tax years up to and including 1996-97.

Dates on which sums specified for rates or amounts of benefits under the Contributions and Benefits Act or the Pension Schemes Act are changed by this Order U.K.

6.—(1) Paragraphs (2) to (8), which are subject to the provisions of paragraph (9), specify the date on which the changes made by this Order in the sums specified for rates or amounts of benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act or the Pension Schemes Act shall take effect for each case.

(2) Any increases in the sums mentioned in articles 3, 4 and 8 for Category A and Category B retirement pension and graduated retirement benefit together with, where appropriate, any increases for dependants, shall take effect on 6th April 2015.

(3) The increases in the sums mentioned in article 5(2) shall take effect on 6th April 2015.

(4) Any increases in the sums specified for—

(a) the rate of—

(i) Category C and Category D retirement pension,

(ii) attendance allowance, and

(iii) carer's allowance (except in a case where the Secretary of State has made arrangements for it to be paid on a Wednesday); and

(b) any increases in—

(i) Category C retirement pension and carer's allowance referred to in sub-paragraph (a)(i) and (iii), and

(ii) widowed mother's allowance and widowed parent's allowance,

in respect of dependants,

shall in all cases take effect on 6th April 2015.

(5) Any increases in the sums specified for—

(a) the rate of—

(i) carer's allowance in a case where the Secretary of State has made arrangements for it to be paid on a Wednesday,

(ii) disablement benefit,

(iii) maximum disablement gratuity under paragraph 9(2) of Schedule 7 to the Contributions and Benefits Act,

(iv) industrial death benefit by way of widow's and widower's pension,

(v) the maximum of the aggregate of weekly benefit payable for successive accidents, under section 107(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act; and

(b) any increases in—

(i) the benefits referred to in heads (i), (iii) and (iv) of sub-paragraph (a) in respect of dependants, and

(ii) disablement pension,

shall in all cases take effect on 8th April 2015.

(6) In any case where a person's weekly rate of Category A or Category B retirement pension falls to be increased under the provisions of section 47(1) or 48C(2) of the Contributions and Benefits Act M27 by reference to the weekly rate of invalidity allowance or age addition to long-term incapacity benefit to which he was previously entitled, any increase in such sum shall take effect on 6th April 2015.

(7) The changes in the sums specified for the rate of incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance together with, where appropriate, any increases for dependants, shall take effect in all cases on 9th April 2015.

(8) The increases in the sums falling to be calculated in accordance with paragraph 13(4) of Schedule 7 to the Contributions and Benefits Act (retirement allowance) shall take effect on 8th April 2015.

(9) Any increases in the sums specified in article 3 of this Order, and article 8(b) of the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Order 2015 M28 , in so far as those sums are relevant for the purposes of establishing whether the rate of any benefit is not to be increased in respect of an adult dependant because the earnings of the dependant exceed a specified amount M29 , shall take effect—

(a) except in a case where sub-paragraph (b) applies, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for the beneficiary on or after 6th April 2015;

(b) in a case where regulation 7(b) of the Computation of Earnings Regulations (date on which earnings are treated as paid) applies, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for the beneficiary on or after 1st April 2015,

and for the purpose of this paragraph, “benefit week” has the same meaning as in regulation 2(1) of the Computation of Earnings Regulations.

Marginal Citations

M27 Section 47(1) was amended by paragraph 13 of Schedule 1 to the 1994 Act. Section 48C was inserted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 4 to the Pensions Act 1995 and amended by S.I. 2005/2053.

M28 S.I. 2015/30.

M29 See section 82(3)(a) of the Contributions and Benefits Act, regulations 8 and 10(2) of, and paragraph 7 of Schedule 2 to, the Social Security Benefit (Dependency) Regulations 1977 (S.I. 1977/343) (“the 1977 Regulations”) and regulation 10 of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit-Increases for Dependants) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2945). Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1984/1698 and 1699, 1987/355, 1988/554, 1989/523 and 1642, 1992/3041, 1994/2945, 1996/1345 and 2745, 2002/2497, 2005/2877 and 2006/692. Paragraph 7 of Schedule 2 to the 1977 Regulations was also amended by section 37 of the Social Security Act 1986.

Earnings Limits U.K.

7.  In section 80(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act M30 (earnings limits in respect of child dependency increases)—

(a) for “£225.00”, in both places where it occurs, substitute “ £230.00 ”; and

(b) “£30.00” remains unchanged.

Marginal Citations

M30 Section 80 was repealed by Schedule 6 to the Tax Credits Act. Article 3 of S.I. 2003/938 saves the repealed provision in certain circumstances. Relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

Increase in rate of graduated retirement benefit U.K.

8.—(1) In section 36(1) of the National Insurance Act 1965 M31 (graduated retirement benefit)—

(a) the sum of 13.14 pence shall be increased by 1.2 per cent.; and

(b) from and including 6th April 2015 the reference in that provision to that sum shall have effect as a reference to 13.30 pence.

(2) The sums which are the increases of graduated retirement benefit under Schedule 2 to the Social Security (Graduated Retirement Benefit) (No. 2) Regulations 1978 M32 (increases for deferred retirement) shall be increased by 1.2 per cent.

(3) The sums which are lump sums to which surviving spouses or civil partners will become entitled under Schedule 1 to the Social Security (Graduated Retirement Benefit) Regulations 2005 M33 (increases of graduated retirement benefit and lump sums) shall be increased by 1.2 per cent.

(4) The sums which are the additions under section 37(1) of the National Insurance Act 1965 (additions for widows and widowers) shall be increased by 1.2 per cent.

Marginal Citations

M31 1965 c. 51. Sections 36 and 37 were repealed by the Social Security Act 1973 (c. 38) but are continued in force by regulation 3 of the Social Security (Graduated Retirement Benefit) (No. 2) Regulations 1978 (S.I. 1978/393), in the modified form set out in Schedule 1 to those Regulations; relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1989/1642, 1995/2606, 1996/1345, 2005/454 and 3078 and 2014/516. See also regulation 2 of those Regulations, which was substituted by S.I. 1995/2606.

M32 S.I. 1978/393; relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1989/1642 and 2005/454.

M33 S.I. 2005/454; relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2005/2677 and 3078.

Increase in rates of Disability Living Allowance U.K.

9.  In regulation 4 of the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations 1991 M34 (rate of benefit)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£81.30” substitute “ £82.30 ”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£54.45” substitute “ £55.10 ”;

(c) in paragraph (1)(c) for “£21.55” substitute “ £21.80 ”;

(d) in paragraph (2)(a) for “£56.75” substitute “ £57.45 ”; and

(e) in paragraph (2)(b) for “£21.55” substitute “ £21.80 ”.

Marginal Citations

M34 S.I. 1991/2890; relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1993/1939 and 2014/516.

Increase in rates of Personal Independence Payment U.K.

10.  In regulation 24 of the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013 M35 (rate of personal independence payment)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£54.45” substitute “ £55.10 ”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£81.30” substitute “ £82.30 ”;

(c) in paragraph (2)(a) for “£21.55” substitute “ £21.80 ”; and

(d) in paragraph (2)(b) for “£56.75” substitute “ £57.45 ”.

Marginal Citations

M35 S.I. 2013/377; relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

Rates of age addition U.K.

11.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 10(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations 1994 M36 (increase in rate of incapacity benefit where beneficiary is under prescribed age on the qualifying date)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£21.25” substitute “ £21.50 ”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£10.65” substitute “ £10.80 ”.

(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit the sums specified in regulation 10(2)(a) and (b) shall be increased to “£11.15” and “£6.20” respectively.

Marginal Citations

M36 S.I. 1994/2946; relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

Rates of transitional invalidity allowance U.K.

12.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 18(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) (Transitional) Regulations 1995 M37 (rate of long-term incapacity benefit in transitional cases)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£21.25” substitute “ £21.50 ”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£13.70” substitute “ £13.90 ”; and

(c) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£6.85” substitute “ £6.95 ”.

(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit the sums specified in regulation 18(2)(a), (b) and (c) shall be increased to “£11.15”, “£6.20” and “£6.20” respectively.

Marginal Citations

M37 S.I. 1995/310; relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

Rates of bereavement benefits U.K.

13.  In the Rate of Bereavement Benefits Regulations 2010 M38 —

(a) in regulation 2 (rate of widowed mother's allowance and widow's pension) for “£111.20” substitute “ £112.55 ”; and

(b) in regulation 3 (rate of widowed parent's allowance and bereavement allowance) for “£111.20” substitute “ £112.55 ”.

Marginal Citations

M38 S.I. 2010/2818; relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

PART 3 U.K. INCOME SUPPORT AND HOUSING BENEFIT

Applicable amounts for Income Support U.K.

14.—(1) The sums that are relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Income Support Regulations, being sums to which the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act does not apply, shall be the sums set out in this article and Schedules 2 to 4 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, any reference in this article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the Income Support Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In—

(a) regulations 17(1)(b) M39 , 18(1)(c) and 21(1) M40 ; and

(b) paragraphs 13A(2)(a) M41 and 14(2)(a) M42 of Part III of Schedule 2,

the sum specified is in each case £3,000.

(3) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 2 M43 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 2 to this Order.

(4) In paragraph 3 of Part II of Schedule 2 M44 (applicable amounts: family premium)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) “£17.45” remains unchanged; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (1)(b) “£17.45” remains unchanged.

(5) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 2 M45 (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 3 to this Order.

(6) In paragraph 18 of Schedule 3 M46 (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for “£91.15” substitute “ £93.80 ”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for “£14.15” substitute “ £14.55 ”;

(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for “£128.00” substitute “ £129.00 ”;

(d) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for “£128.00”, “£188.00” and “£32.45” substitute “£129.00”, “£189.00” and “£33.40” respectively;

(e) in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for “£188.00”, “£245.00” and “£44.55” substitute “£189.00”, “£246.00” and “£45.85” respectively;

(f) in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for “£245.00”, “£326.00” and “£72.95” substitute “£246.00”, “£328.00” and “£75.05” respectively; and

(g) in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for “£326.00”, “£406.00” and “£83.05” substitute “£328.00”, “£408.00” and “£85.45” respectively.

(7) The sums specified in any provision of the Income Support Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 4 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Marginal Citations

M39 Regulations 17(1)(b) and 18(1)(c) were omitted by S.I. 2003/455. Regulation 7 of that S.I. (as amended by S.I. 2005/2294) makes transitional arrangements in connection with the introduction of tax credits.

M40 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1994/527, 1996/206 and 2431, 2000/636, 2001/3767 and 2003/455.

M41 Paragraph 13A was inserted by S.I. 2000/2629 and amended by S.I. 2002/3019, 2003/455, 2007/719 and 2011/674 and 2425.

M42 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2007/719 and 2011/674.

M43 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1996/2545, 1999/2555, 2003/455, 2006/718 and 2014/516.

M44 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1996/1803, 1998/766, 2003/455 and 2014/516.

M45 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1990/1776, 1996/1803, 2000/2629, 2002/2497 and 3019, 2007/719 and 2014/516.

M46 Schedule 3 was substituted by S.I. 1995/1613; relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1995/2927, 1996/2518, 1999/3178, 2004/2327 and 2014/516.

Income Support Transitional Protection U.K.

15.  It is directed M47 that the sums which are special transitional additions to income support payable in accordance with regulation 15 of the Income Support (Transitional) Regulations 1987 M48 (special transitional addition) shall be increased by 1.2 per cent.

Marginal Citations

M47 See section 151(6) of the Administration Act.

M48 S.I. 1987/1969; relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1988/521 and 670, 1989/1626, 1991/1600 and 2014/516.

The relevant sum for Income Support U.K.

16.  In section 126(7) of the Contributions and Benefits Act M49 (trade disputes: the relevant sum) for “£40.00” substitute “ £40.50 ”.

Marginal Citations

M49 See section 126(8) of the Contributions and Benefits Act. Relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

Housing Benefit U.K.

17.—(1) The sums that are relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Housing Benefit Regulations, being sums to which the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act does not apply, shall be the sums set out in this article and Schedules 5 and 6 to this Order; and unless otherwise stated, any reference in this article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the Housing Benefit Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In regulation B13(3) M50 (determination of a maximum rent (social sector))—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) “14%” remains unchanged; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) “25%” remains unchanged.

(3) In regulation 27(3) (calculation of income on a weekly basis)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) “£175.00” remains unchanged; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) “£300.00” remains unchanged.

(4) In regulation 74 M51 (non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for “£91.15” substitute “ £93.80 ”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for “£14.15” substitute “ £14.55 ”;

(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for “£128.00” substitute “ £129.00 ”;

(d) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for “£128.00”, “£188.00” and “£32.45” substitute “£129.00”, “£189.00” and “£33.40” respectively;

(e) in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for “£188.00”, “£245.00” and “£44.55” substitute “£189.00”, “£246.00” and “£45.85” respectively;

(f) in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for “£245.00”, “£326.00” and “£72.95” substitute “£246.00”, “£328.00” and “£75.05” respectively;

(g) in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for “£326.00”, “£406.00” and “£83.05” substitute “£328.00”, “£408.00” and “£85.45” respectively.

(5) In paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 (ineligible service charges), for “£26.55”, “£26.55”, “£13.45”, “£17.65”, “£17.65”, “£8.90” and “£3.25” substitute “£26.85”, “£26.85”, “£13.60”, “£17.85”, “£17.85”, “£9.00” and “£3.30” respectively.

(6) In paragraph 6 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 (payments in respect of fuel charges)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for “£27.55” substitute “ £28.80 ”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) and (d) for “£3.20” substitute “ £3.35 ”; and

(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for “£2.20” substitute “ £2.30 ”.

(7) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 3 M52 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 5 to this Order.

(8) In paragraph 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 3 (applicable amounts: family premium)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) “£22.20” remains unchanged; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (1)(b) “£17.45” remains unchanged.

(9) The sums specified in Part 4 of Schedule 3 (applicable amounts: premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 6 to this Order.

(10) In Part 6 of Schedule 3 M53 (amount of components)—

(a) in paragraph 25 for “£28.75” substitute “ £29.05 ”; and

(b) in paragraph 26 for “£35.75” substitute “ £36.20 ”.

(11) In paragraph 17(1) M54 and (3)(c) of Schedule 4 (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of earnings) “£17.10” remains unchanged.

(12) In paragraph 56 of Schedule 5 (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) “£17.10” remains unchanged.

Marginal Citations

M50 Regulation B13 was inserted by S.I. 2012/3040.

M51 Regulation 74 was substituted by S.I. 2007/2868. The relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

M52 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2008/1082 and 2014/516.

M53 Part 6 was inserted by S.I. 2008/1082 (as amended by S.I. 2008/2428) and amended by S.I. 2014/516.

M54 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2009/2608 and 2010/793.

Housing Benefit for certain persons over the qualifying age for State Pension Credit U.K.

18.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations shall be the sums set out in this article and Schedules 7 and 8 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, any reference in this article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In regulation 30(3) (calculation of income on a weekly basis)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) “£175.00” remains unchanged; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) “£300.00” remains unchanged.

(3) In regulation 55 M55 (non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for “£91.15” substitute “ £93.80 ”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for “£14.15” substitute “ £14.55 ”;

(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for “£128.00” substitute “ £129.00 ”;

(d) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for “£128.00”, “£188.00” and “£32.45” substitute “£129.00”, “£189.00” and “£33.40” respectively;

(e) in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for “£188.00”, “£245.00” and “£44.55” substitute “£189.00”, “£246.00” and “£45.85” respectively;

(f) in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for “£245.00”, “£326.00” and “£72.95” substitute “£246.00”, “£328.00” and “£75.05” respectively;

(g) in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for “£326.00”, “£406.00” and “£83.05” substitute “£328.00”, “£408.00” and “£85.45” respectively.

(4) In paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 (ineligible service charges), for “£26.55”, “£26.55”, “£13.45”, “£17.65”, “£17.65”, “£8.90” and “£3.25” substitute “£26.85”, “£26.85”, “£13.60”, “£17.85”, “£17.85”, “£9.00” and “£3.30” respectively.

(5) In paragraph 6 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 (payments in respect of fuel charges)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for “£27.55” substitute “ £28.80 ”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) and (d) for “£3.20” substitute “ £3.35 ”; and

(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for “£2.20” substitute “ £2.30 ”.

(6) The sums specified in Part 1 of Schedule 3 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 7 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 3(1) of Part 2 of Schedule 3 (applicable amounts: family premium) “£17.45” remains unchanged.

(8) The sums specified in Part 4 of Schedule 3 (applicable amounts: amounts of premiums specified in Part 3) shall be as set out in Schedule 8 to this Order.

(9) In paragraph 9(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 4 (sums disregarded from claimant's earnings) “£17.10” remains unchanged.

(10) In paragraph 21 of Schedule 5 M56 (amounts to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) “£17.10” remains unchanged.

Marginal Citations

M55 Regulation 55 was substituted by S.I. 2007/2869. The relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

M56 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2008/3157 and 2010/793.

PART 4 U.K. JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE

Applicable amounts for Jobseeker's Allowance U.K.

19.—(1) The sums that are relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations, being sums to which the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act does not apply, shall be the sums set out in this article and Schedules 9 to 12 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, any reference in this article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In—

(a) regulations 83(b), 84(1)(c) and 85(1) M57 ; and

(b) paragraphs 15A(2)(a) M58 and 16(2)(a) M59 of Part III of Schedule 1,

the sum specified is in each case £3,000.

(3) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 M60 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 9 to this Order.

(4) In paragraph 4 of Part II of Schedule 1 M61 (applicable amounts: family premium)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) “£17.45” remains unchanged; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (1)(b) “£17.45” remains unchanged.

(5) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 1 M62 (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 10 to this Order.

(6) The sums specified in Part IVB of Schedule 1 M63 (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums for joint-claim couples) shall be as set out in Schedule 11 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 17 of Schedule 2 M64 (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for “£91.15” substitute “ £93.80 ”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for “£14.15” substitute “ £14.55 ”;

(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for “£128.00” substitute “ £129.00 ”;

(d) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for “£128.00”, “£188.00” and “£32.45” substitute “£129.00”, “£189.00” and “£33.40” respectively;

(e) in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for “£188.00”, “£245.00” and “£44.55” substitute “£189.00”, “£246.00” and “£45.85” respectively;

(f) in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for “£245.00”, “£326.00” and “£72.95” substitute “£246.00”, “£328.00” and “£75.05” respectively; and

(g) in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for “£326.00”, “£406.00” and “£83.05” substitute “£328.00”, “£408.00” and “£85.45” respectively.

(8) The sums specified in any provision of the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 12 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Marginal Citations

M57 Regulations 83(b) and 84(1)(c) were omitted, and regulation 85(1) was amended, by S.I. 2003/455. Regulation 8 of that S.I. (as amended by S.I. 2005/2294) makes transitional arrangements in connection with the introduction of child tax credit. Regulation 85(1) was also amended by S.I. 2007/2618.

M58 Paragraph 15A was inserted by S.I. 2000/2629 and amended by S.I. 2003/455 and 2007/719.

M59 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2007/719, 2011/674 and 2013/388.

M60 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1996/2545, 1999/2555, 2003/455, 2006/718 and 2014/516.

M61 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1996/1803, 1998/766, 2003/455 and 2014/516.

M62 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1996/1516 and 1803, 2000/2239 and 2629, 2003/455 and 511, 2007/719, 2009/1488 and 2014/516.

M63 Part IVB was inserted by S.I. 2000/1978 and amended by S.I. 2000/2629, 2001/518, 2003/511, 2007/719, 2009/1488 and 2014/516.

M64 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1996/2518, 1999/2860, 2004/2327 and 2014/516.

The prescribed sum for Jobseeker's Allowance U.K.

20.  In regulation 172 of the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations M65 (trade disputes: prescribed sum) for “£40.00” substitute “ £40.50 ”.

Marginal Citations

M65 See section 15(6) of the Jobseekers Act 1995. Relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

PART 5 U.K. STATE PENSION CREDIT

State Pension Credit U.K.

21.—(1) The amounts as specified in the State Pension Credit Regulations shall be the amounts set out in this article and Schedule 13 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, any reference in this article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the State Pension Credit Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In regulation 6 M66 (amount of the guarantee credit)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£226.50” substitute “ £230.85 ”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£148.35” substitute “ £151.20 ”;

(c) in paragraph (5)(a) for “£61.10” substitute “ £61.85 ”;

(d) in paragraph (5)(b) for “£122.20” substitute “ £123.70 ”; and

(e) in paragraph (8) for “£34.20” substitute “ £34.60 ”.

(3) In regulation 7 M67 (savings credit)—

(a) in paragraph (1) “60 per cent.”, “60 per cent.” and “40 per cent.” in sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) respectively remain unchanged; and

(b) in paragraph (2) for “£120.35” and “£192.00” substitute “ £126.50 ” and “ £201.80 ” respectively.

(4) In paragraph 14 of Schedule II M68 (persons residing with the claimant)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for “£91.15” substitute “ £93.80 ”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for “£14.15” substitute “ £14.55 ”;

(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for “£128.00” substitute “ £129.00 ”;

(d) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for “£128.00”, “£188.00” and “£32.45” substitute “£129.00”, “£189.00” and “£33.40” respectively;

(e) in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for “£188.00”, “£245.00” and “£44.55” substitute “£189.00”, “£246.00” and “£45.85” respectively;

(f) in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for “£245.00”, “£326.00” and “£72.95” substitute “£246.00”, “£328.00” and “£75.05” respectively; and

(g) in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for “£326.00”, “£406.00” and “£83.05” substitute “£328.00”, “£408.00” and “£85.45” respectively.

(5) In paragraph 1 of Schedule III M69 (polygamous marriages)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (5) for “£226.50” and “£78.15” substitute “ £230.85 ” and “ £79.65 ” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (7) for “£192.00” substitute “ £201.80 ”.

(6) The amounts specified in any provision of the State Pension Credit Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 13 to this Order are the amounts set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Marginal Citations

M66 Relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

M67 Relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

M68 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2002/3197, 2004/2327, 2006/2378 and 2014/516.

M69 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2002/3197 and 2014/516.

PART 6 U.K. EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE

Applicable amounts for the ESA Regulations 2008 U.K.

22.—(1) The sums that are relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the ESA Regulations 2008, being sums to which the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act does not apply, shall be the sums set out in this article and Schedules 14 and 15 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, any reference in this article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the ESA Regulations 2008 bearing that number.

(2) The sums specified in Part 3 of Schedule 4 M70 (weekly amount of premiums specified in Part 2) shall be as set out in Schedule 14 to this Order.

(3) In Part 4 of Schedule 4 M71 (the components) in paragraph 13 for “£35.75” substitute “ £36.20 ”.

(4) In paragraph 19 of Schedule 6 M72 (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for “£91.15” substitute “ £93.80 ”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for “£14.15” substitute “ £14.55 ”;

(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for “£128.00” substitute “ £129.00 ”;

(d) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for “£128.00”, “£188.00” and “£32.45” substitute “£129.00”, “£189.00” and “£33.40” respectively;

(e) in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for “£188.00”, “£245.00” and “£44.55” substitute “£189.00”, “£246.00” and “£45.85” respectively;

(f) in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for “£245.00”, “£326.00” and “£72.95” substitute “£246.00”, “£328.00” and “£75.05” respectively; and

(g) in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for “£326.00”, “£406.00” and “£83.05” substitute “£328.00”, “£408.00” and “£85.45” respectively.

(5) The sums specified in any provision of the ESA Regulations 2008 set out in column (1) of Schedule 15 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Marginal Citations

M70 Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2008/2428 and 2014/516.

M71 Relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

M72 Relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

Prescribed amount for the ESA Regulations 2013 U.K.

23.  In regulation 62(2)(b) of the ESA Regulations 2013 M73 (prescribed amounts) for “£35.75” substitute “ £36.20 ”.

Marginal Citations

M73 Relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

PART 7 U.K. UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Universal Credit U.K.

24.—(1) In regulation 34(1)(a) of the Universal Credit Regulations (amount of childcare costs element) “70%” remains unchanged.

(2) The amounts of the child element, the additional amount in respect of each child or qualifying young person who is disabled (higher rate), the limited capability for work and work–related activity element, the carer element and the maximum amounts of the childcare costs element specified in the table in regulation 36 of the Universal Credit Regulations M74 (table showing amounts of elements) shall be as set out in Schedule 16 to this Order.

(3) In paragraph 14 of Schedule 4 to the Universal Credit Regulations M75 (amount of housing cost contributions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£68.68” substitute “ £69.37 ”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (3)(a) “nil” remains unchanged.

(4) The amounts specified in any provision of the Universal Credit Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 17 to this Order are the amounts set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Marginal Citations

M74 Relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

M75 Relevant amending instrument is S.I. 2014/516.

PART 8 U.K. REVOCATION

Revocation U.K.

25.  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2014 M76 is revoked.

Marginal Citations

M76 S.I. 2014/516.

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

Steve Webb

Minister of State,

Department for Work and Pensions

2nd March 2015

We consent

Mark Lancaster

Gavin Barwell

Two of the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury

3rd March 2015