17. After regulation 2 (interpretation) insert—
2A.—(1) Where the coronavirus exception applies, the requirement for the local authority to review the making and use of direct payments within the first three months of them being made in regulation 11(2)(a) (monitoring and review of direct payments) is to be read instead as a requirement for such action to be taken as soon as reasonably practicable.
(2) The coronavirus exception applies where it is not reasonably practicable for the local authority to meet the requirement specified in regulation 11(2)(a) for a reason relating to the incidence or transmission of coronavirus.”.