The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Early Expiry) Regulations 2021

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations provide for the expiry of twelve sections of the Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7) (the “Act”). There are seven devolved sections, sections 8, 9 and 25 to 29, for which the Secretary of State has obtained the necessary consent to expire on behalf of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Regulation 2 provides for the expiry of nine provisions that extend and apply across the UK. Sections 8 and 9 of the Act provide for emergency volunteering leave and compensation for emergency volunteers. These sections were not commenced. Certain necessary effects will continue post expiry in accordance with section 89(2)(n) of the Act. Section 24 provides for extension of certain time limits for retention of fingerprints and DNA profiles for national security purposes. The instrument specified in regulation 2(2) was made under section 24, and is saved as they provide the ongoing basis for the retention of certain fingerprints and DNA profiles until 24 September 2021. Sections 25 to 29 provide powers to require the provision of information regarding the food supply chain; these sections were not commenced. Section 71 provides for only a single Treasury Commissioner or Treasury Minister to sign a relevant instrument or act.

Regulation 3 provides for the expiry of one provision that extends to England and Wales. Section 84 provides powers for the postponement of General Synod elections in the Church of England. The Orders in Council made under section 84 are saved.

Regulation 4 provides for the expiry of two provisions that apply in England only. Part 1 of Schedule 12 removed certain duties from the provision of social care by local authorities. Certain necessary effects will continue post expiry in accordance with section 89(2)(r) of the Act. Section 79 extended certain Business Improvement District arrangements.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.