04 April 2008 – Consultation: The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (no…) Regulations 2008
The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) has been asked by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to consider proposals for the above named regulations. These proposals would have the effect of:
- Reducing the time limit for pensioners to claim Pension Credit, Housing Benefit (HB) and Council Tax Benefit (CTB) from 12 to 3 months;
- Reducing the backdating period for HB/CTB customers of working age from 12 to 3 months; and
- Allowing Pension Credit to be retained for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence abroad.
Before the Committee considers and reports on these proposals, it would like to hear from organisations and individuals who have views. Those wishing to make representations to the Committee may obtain copies of the Department’s explanatory memorandum and draft regulations from the SSAC website: www.ssac.org.uk or from the Committee Secretariat (contact Natalie Harwood on 0207 412 1508).
The Committee has requested further information from the Department in connection with these proposals, and it is anticipated that this will be made available by 11 April. The information will be published on the SSAC website, in the form of a supplementary explanatory memorandum.
Representations should be sent to the Committee at New Court, 48 Carey Street, London, WC2A 2LS, or by email to ssac@dwp.gsi.gov.uk, or via the consultation response facility on the website, to arrive no later than Monday 5 May 2008.
Note for Editors
The SSAC is the main UK advisory body for all social security matters except those relating to industrial injuries, war pensions, occupational pensions, and National Insurance contributions. Most proposals for social security regulations have to be submitted to the SSAC before they are made. When the Committee reports on regulations, the report is laid before Parliament with the regulations and a statement from the Secretary of State responding to any recommendations the Committee has made.
The Social Security Advisory Committee
New Court
48 Carey Street
London
WC2A 2LS
Tel: 020 7412 1510 Fax: 020 7412
1570
Email: ssac@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
Website: http://www.ssac.org.uk
