New regulation 9A (requirement to provide information or evidence)
13. After regulation 9 insert—
“Requirement to provide information or evidence
9A.—(1) The Secretary of State may require a person to take reasonable steps to provide such information or evidence as may reasonably be needed in connection with the administration of the Healthy Start scheme.
(2) A person to whom a person is required to provide information or evidence under paragraph (1) must produce to that person evidence of his authority from the Secretary of State, if requested.
(3) Where a person fails to provide the information or evidence required the Secretary of State may suspend the issue of vouchers or credit to the person until—
(a)the information or evidence required is provided;
(b)the Secretary of State is satisfied of the person’s entitlement to benefit pursuant to these Regulations or the person’s compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Start scheme; or
(c)the person ceases to be entitled to benefit under these Regulations (whether in accordance with paragraph (4) or another provision, as to which see regulation 7).
(4) Where the issue of vouchers or credit has been suspended under paragraph (3) for a period of 16 consecutive weeks, the person ceases to be entitled to benefit under these Regulations.”.