Source: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2018/56/body/made
Timestamp: 2018-04-25 08:13:13
Document Index: 455830307

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 2', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'ART 3', 'ART 4', 'ART 5', 'ART 6', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 4', 'ART 7', 'ART 8']

1. This Order may be cited as the Social Security (2017 Benefits Up-rating) Order (Northern Ireland) 2018 and shall come into operation on 24th March 2018.
2.—(1) In this Order—
“the Administration Act” means the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992;
“the Contributions and Benefits Act” means the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992(1);
“the Pensions Act” means the Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015(2);
“the Pension Schemes Act” means the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993(3);
“the Computation of Earnings Regulations” means the Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996(4);
“the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008” means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008(5);
“the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016” means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(6);
“the Housing Benefit Regulations” means the Housing Benefit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006(7);
“the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations” means the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for state pension credit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006(8);
“the Income Support Regulations” means the Income Support (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987(9);
“the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations” means the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996(10);
“the State Pension Credit Regulations” means the State Pension Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003(11); and
“the Universal Credit Regulations” means the Universal Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(12).
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954(13) shall apply to this Order as it applies to an Act of the Assembly.
(3) For the purposes of this Order and notwithstanding section 39(2) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954, where a period of time is expressed to begin on, or to be reckoned from, a particular day, that day shall be included in the period.
PART 2SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AND PENSIONS
3.—(1) The sums specified in paragraph (2) shall be increased so that Schedule 4 to the Contributions and Benefits Act (rates of benefits, etc.), except paragraph 5 of Part III (guardian’s allowance) of that Schedule, 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(14), the sums specified for the increase in disablement pension for dependent children and death benefit allowance in respect of children and qualifying young persons.
Rates or amounts of certain pensions and allowances under the Contributions and Benefits Act
4.—(1) 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∙0 per cent.
(2) In section 44(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(15) (basic pension of Category A retirement pension)—
(a)for “£101∙10” substitute “£102∙10”; and
(b)for “£119∙30” substitute “£122∙30”.
(3) It is directed that the sums which are—
(a)the additional pensions in long-term benefits calculated by reference to any final relevant year earlier than the tax year 2016-17;
(b)the increases in the rates of retirement pensions under Schedule 5 to the Contributions and Benefits Act(16) (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 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 120 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Act 1975(17), Article 64 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1986(18) or section 132 of the Administration Act,
shall in each case be increased by 1∙0 per cent.
(4) The sums which are shared additional pensions under section 55A and 55AA of the Contributions and Benefits Act(19), and the sums which are increases in the rates of such pensions under paragraph 2 of Schedule 5A to that Act(20), shall in each case be increased by 1∙0 per cent.
Rates or amounts of certain benefits under the Pension Schemes Act
5. It is directed that sums which are payable by virtue of section 11(1) of the Pension Schemes Act (increase of guaranteed minimum where commencement of guaranteed minimum pension postponed) to a person who is also entitled to a Category A or Category B retirement pension (including sums payable by virtue of section 13(2) and (3) of that Act(21)) shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent. where the increase under section 11(1) is attributable to earnings factors for the tax year 1987-88 and earlier tax years(22).
Rates or amounts of certain pensions under Part 1 of the Pensions Act
6.—(1) In regulation 1A of the State Pension Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015(23) (full rate of state pension) for “£155∙65” substitute “£159∙55”.
(2) It is directed that the sums which are increases under section 17 of the Pensions Act in the rates of state pensions under Part 1 of that Act shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent.
(3) The amounts which, under—
(a)section 9 of the Pensions Act, are survivor’s pensions based on inheritance of deferred old state pension;
(b)paragraph 4(3) of Schedule 2 to the Pensions Act, are the amounts of state pensions under Part 1 of the Pensions Act at the transitional rate which exceed the full rate for those who reached pensionable age before 10th April 2017;
(c)paragraphs 5(3) and 6 of Schedule 4 to the Pensions Act, are the amounts of survivor’s pensions which either alone or in combination with certain other pensions under that Act exceed the full rate; and
(d)paragraphs 5(3) and 6 of Schedule 9 to the Pensions Act, are the amounts of shared state pensions under Part 1 of the Pensions Act which either alone or in combination with certain other pensions under that Act exceed the full rate,
(4) For the purpose of this Article, “old state pension” has the same meaning as in section 22 of the Pensions Act.
7. In section 80(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(24) (earnings limits in respect of child dependency increases)—
(a)in both places, the sum of £230 remains the same; and
(b)the sum of £30 remains the same.
8. In section 153(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(25) (rate of payment) for “£88∙45” substitute “£89∙35”.
9. In regulation 6 of the Statutory Maternity Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987(26) (prescribed rate of statutory maternity pay) for “£139∙58” substitute “£140∙98”.
Statutory paternity pay, statutory adoption pay and statutory shared parental pay
10.—(1) In the Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002(27)—
(a)in regulation 2(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory paternity pay) for “£139∙58” substitute “£140∙98”; and
(b)in regulation 3(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory adoption pay) for “£139∙58” substitute “£140∙98”.
(2) In regulation 40(1)(a) of the Statutory Shared Parental Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015(28) (weekly rate of payment of statutory shared parental pay) for “£139∙58” substitute “£140∙98”.
11.—(1) In section 35(1) of the National Insurance Act (Northern Ireland) 1966(29) (graduated retirement benefit)—
(a)the sum of 13∙30 pence shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent.; and
(b)the reference in that provision to that sum shall have effect as a reference to 13∙43 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 (Northern Ireland) 1978(30) (increases for deferred entitlement to a Category A or Category B retirement pension) shall be increased by 1∙0 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 (Northern Ireland) 2005(31) (increases of graduated retirement benefit and lump sums) shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent.
(4) The sums which are the additions under section 36(1) of the National Insurance Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 (special provision as to graduated retirement benefit for widows and widowers) shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent.
Amount of Category C retirement pension under the Social Security (Widow’s Benefit and Retirement Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1979
12. In regulation 11(3) of the Social Security (Widow’s Benefit and Retirement Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1979(32) (Category C retirement pension for widows of men over pensionable age on 5th July 1948) for “£71∙50” substitute “£73∙30”.
Maximum additional pension
13. In regulation 2A of the Social Security (Maximum Additional Pension) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(33) (prescribed maximum additional pension for survivors who become entitled on or after 6th April 2016) for “£165∙60” substitute “£167∙26”.
14. In regulation 4 of the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992(34) (rate of benefit)—
(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for “£82∙30” substitute “£83∙10”;
(b)in paragraph (1)(b) for “£55∙10” substitute “£55∙65”;
(c)in paragraph (1)(c) for “£21∙80” substitute “£22∙00”;
(d)in paragraph (2)(a) for “£57∙45” substitute “£58∙00”; and
(e)in paragraph (2)(b) for “£21∙80” substitute “£22∙00”.
15. In regulation 24 of the Personal Independence Payment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(35) (rate of personal independence payment)—
(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for “£55∙10” substitute “£55∙65”;
(b)in paragraph (1)(b) for “£82∙30” substitute “£83∙10”;
(c)in paragraph (2)(a) for “£21∙80” substitute “£22∙00”; and
(d)in paragraph (2)(b) for “£57∙45” substitute “£58∙00”.
Age addition to long-term incapacity benefit
16.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 9(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994(36) (increase in rate of incapacity benefit where beneficiary is under prescribed age on the qualifying date)—
(a)in sub-paragraph (a) for “£21∙50” substitute “£21∙70”; and
(b)in sub-paragraph (b) for “£10∙80” substitute “£10∙90”.
(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit the sums specified in regulation 9(2)(a) and (b) of those Regulations shall be increased to £11∙25 and £6∙25 respectively.
Transitional invalidity allowance in long-term incapacity benefit cases
17.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 18(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) (Transitional) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995(37) (rate of long-term incapacity benefit in transitional cases)—
(a)in sub-paragraph (a) for “£21∙50” substitute “£21∙70”;
(b)in sub-paragraph (b) for “£13∙90” substitute “£14∙00”; and
(c)in sub-paragraph (c) for “£6∙95” substitute “£7∙00”.
(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit the sums specified in regulation 18(2)(a), (b) and (c) of those Regulations shall be increased to £11∙25, £6∙25 and £6∙25 respectively.
18. In the Rate of Bereavement Benefits Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(38)—
(a)in regulation 2 (rate of widowed mother’s allowance and widow’s pension) for “£112∙55” substitute “£113∙70”; and
(b)in regulation 3 (rate of widowed parent’s allowance and bereavement allowance) for “£112∙55” substitute “£113∙70”.
PART 3INCOME SUPPORT AND HOUSING BENEFIT
Applicable amounts for income support
19.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Income Support Regulations(39) shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 2 to 4 to this Order; and for this purpose a reference in this Article to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation of, or Schedule to, the Income Support Regulations bearing that number.
(a)regulations 17(1)(b), 18(1)(c) and 21(1)(40); and
(b)paragraphs 13A(2)(a) and 14(2)(a) of Part III of Schedule 2(41),
(3) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 2 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 2 to this Order.
(4) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 2(42) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sum of £17∙45, in both places, remains the same.
(5) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 2 (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 3 to this Order.
(6) In paragraph 18 of Schedule 3(43) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—
(a)in sub-paragraph (1) for “£94∙50” and “£14∙65” substitute “£95∙45” and “£14∙80” respectively; and
(b)in sub-paragraph (2)—
(i)in head (a) for “£133∙00” substitute “£136∙00”,
(ii)in head (b) for “£133∙00”, “£195∙00” and “£33∙65” substitute “£136∙00”, “£200∙00” and “£34∙00” respectively,
(iii)in head (c) for “£195∙00”, “£253∙00” and “£46∙20” substitute “£200∙00”, “£259∙00” and “£46∙65” respectively,
(iv)in head (d) for “£253∙00”, “£338∙00” and “£75∙60” substitute “£259∙00”, “£346∙00” and “£76∙35” respectively, and
(v)in head (e) for “£338∙00”, “£420∙00” and “£86∙10” substitute “£346∙00”, “£430∙00” and “£86∙95” 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.
Income support transitional protection
20. The sums which are special transitional additions to income support payable in accordance with regulation 15 of the Income Support (Transitional) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987(44) shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent.
21.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Housing Benefit Regulations shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 5 and 6 to this Order; and for this purpose a reference in this Article to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation of, or Schedule to, the Housing Benefit Regulations bearing that number.
(2) In regulation B14(3)(45) (determination of a maximum rent (social sector))—
(a)in sub-paragraph (a) 14% remains the same; and
(b)in sub-paragraph (b) 25% remains the same.
(3) In regulation 24(3) (calculation of income on a weekly basis) the sums of £175∙00 and £300 remain the same.
(4) In regulation 72(46) (non-dependant deductions)—
(a)in paragraph (1) for “£94∙50” and “£14∙65” substitute “£95∙45” and “£14∙80” respectively; and
(i)in sub-paragraph (a) for “£133∙00” substitute “£136∙00”,
(ii)in sub-paragraph (b) for “£133∙00”, “£195∙00” and “£33∙65” substitute “£136∙00”, “£200∙00” and “£34∙00” respectively,
(iii)in sub-paragraph (c) for “£195∙00”, “£253∙00” and “£46∙20” substitute “£200∙00”, “£259∙00” and “£46∙65” respectively,
(iv)in sub-paragraph (d) for “£253∙00”, “£338∙00” and “£75∙60” substitute “£259∙00”, “£346∙00” and “£76∙35” respectively, and
(v)in sub-paragraph (e) for “£338∙00”, “£420∙00” and “£86∙10” substitute “£346∙00”, “£430∙00” and “£86∙95” respectively.
(5) In Schedule 1(47) (ineligible service charges)—
(a)in paragraph 2 for “£26∙85”, “£26∙85”, “£13∙60”, “£17∙85”, “£17∙85”, “£9∙00” and “£3∙30” substitute “£27∙10”, “£27∙10”, “£13∙75”, “£18∙05”, “£18∙05”, “£9∙10” and “£3∙35” respectively; and
(b)in paragraph 6(2) the sums of £28∙80, £3∙35, £2∙30 and £3∙35 respectively remain the same.
(6) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 5 to this Order.
(7) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 4(48) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sums of £22∙20 and £17∙45 remain the same.
(8) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 6 to this Order.
(9) In paragraph 26 of Part VI of Schedule 4(49) (amount of components) for “£36∙20” substitute “£36∙55”.
(10) In paragraph 17(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 5(50) (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.
(11) In paragraph 58 of Schedule 6(51) (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.
Housing benefit for certain persons over the qualifying age for state pension credit
22.—(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 for this purpose a reference in this Article to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation of, or Schedule to, the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations bearing that number.
(2) In regulation 28(3) (calculation of income on a weekly basis) the sums of £175∙00 and £300 remain the same.
(3) In regulation 53(52) (non-dependant deductions)—
(4) In Schedule 1 (ineligible service charges)—
(a)in paragraph 2(53) for “£26∙85”, “£26∙85”, “£13∙60”, “£17∙85”, “£17∙85”, “£9∙00” and “£3∙30” substitute “£27∙10”, “£27∙10”, “£13∙75”, “£18∙05”, “£18∙05”, “£9∙10” and “£3∙35” respectively; and
(b)in paragraph 6(2) the sums of £28∙80, £3∙35, £2∙30 and £3∙35 remain the same.
(5) The sums specified in Part I of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 7 to this Order.
(6) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 4(54) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sum of £17∙45 remains the same.
(7) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: amounts of premiums specified in Part III) shall be as set out in Schedule 8 to this Order.
(8) In paragraph 9(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 5(55) (sums disregarded from claimant’s earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.
(9) In paragraph 22 of Schedule 6(56) (amounts to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.
PART 4JOBSEEKER’S ALLOWANCE
Applicable amounts for jobseeker’s allowance
23.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations(57) shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 9 to 12 to this Order; and for this purpose a reference in this Article to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation of, or Schedule to, the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations bearing that number.
(a)regulations 83(b), 84(1)(c) and 85(1)(58); and
(b)paragraphs 15A(2)(a) and 16(2)(a) of Part III of Schedule 1(59),
(3) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 1 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 9 to this Order.
(4) In paragraph 4(1) of Part II of Schedule 1(60) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sum of £17∙45, in both places, remains the same.
(5) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 1 (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 (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(61) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—
(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.
PART 5STATE PENSION CREDIT
State pension credit
24.—(1) The sums specified in the State Pension Credit Regulations shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedule 13 to this Order; and for this purpose a reference in this Article to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation of, or Schedule to, the State Pension Credit Regulations bearing that number.
(2) In regulation 6(62) (amount of the guarantee credit)—
(a)in paragraph (1) for “£237∙55” and “£155∙60” substitute “£243∙25” and “£159∙35” respectively;
(b)in paragraph (5) for “£61∙85” and “£123∙70” substitute “£62∙45” and “£124∙90” respectively; and
(c)in paragraph (8) for “£34∙60” substitute “£34∙95”.
(3) In regulation 7(63) (savings credit)—
(a)in paragraph (1)(a), (b) and (c) “60 per cent.”, “60 per cent.” and “40 per cent.” respectively remain the same; and
(b)in paragraph (2) for “£133∙82” and “£212∙97” substitute “£137∙35” and “£218∙42” respectively.
(4) In paragraph 14 of Schedule 2 (housing costs: persons residing with the claimant)—
(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(64) for “£94∙50” and “£14∙65” substitute “£95∙45” and “£14∙80” respectively; and
(b)in sub-paragraph (2)(65)—
(5) In paragraph 1 of Schedule 3(66) (special groups: polygamous marriages)—
(a)in sub-paragraph (5), which substitutes regulation 6(1), for “£237∙55” and “£81∙95” substitute “£243∙25” and “£83∙90” respectively; and
(b)in sub-paragraph (7), which substitutes regulation 7(2), for “£212∙97” substitute “£218∙42”.
(6) The sums specified in any provision of the State Pension Credit Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 13 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.
PART 6EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE
Applicable amounts for the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008
25.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 14 and 15 to this Order; and for this purpose a reference in this Article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 bearing that number.
(2) The sums specified in Part 3 of Schedule 4 (weekly amount of premiums specified in Part 2) shall be as set out in Schedule 14 to this Order.
(3) In paragraph 13 of Part 4 of Schedule 4(67) (the components) for “£36∙20” substitute “£36∙55”.
(4) In paragraph 19 of Schedule 6(68) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—
(5) The sums specified in any provision of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 set out in column (1) of Schedule 15 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.
Prescribed amount for the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016
26. In regulation 62(2)(b) of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016 (prescribed amounts) for “£36∙20” substitute “£36∙55”.
PART 7UNIVERSAL CREDIT
27.—(1) In regulation 35(1)(a) of the Universal Credit Regulations (amount of childcare costs element) “85 percent” remains the same.
(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 38 of the Universal Credit Regulations (amounts of elements) shall be as set out in Schedule 16 to this Order.
(3) In paragraph 13 of Schedule 4 to the Universal Credit Regulations (amount of housing cost contributions)—
(a)in sub-paragraph (1) for “£69∙37” substitute “£70∙06”; and
(b)in sub-paragraph (3)(a) “nil” remains the same.
(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.
PART 8REVOCATIONS
28. The Social Security Benefits Up-rating (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2017(69) is revoked.
Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department for Communities on 16th March 2018
Anne McCleary
A senior officer of the Department for Communities