Community Charges (Deductions from Income Support) (No. 2) Regulations 1990

Made: 8th March 1990

Laid before Parliament: 9th March 1990

Coming into force: 1st April 1990

The Secretary of State for Social Security in exercise of powers conferred by sections 22(3) and 146(6) of, and paragraph 6 of Schedule 4 to, the Local Government Finance Act 1988 and of all other powers enabling him in that behalf, after consultation with the Council on Tribunals in accordance with section 10 of the Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1971 , hereby makes the following Regulations:

Citation, commencement and interpretation

1

• (1) These Regulations may be cited as the Community Charges (Deductions from Income Support) (No. 2) Regulations 1990 and shall come into force on 1st April 1990.

• (2) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires–

• ...

• “the 1986 Act” means the Social Security Act 1986 ;

• “the 1998 Act ” means the Social Security Act 1998;

• ...

• “appropriate social security office” means an office of the Department of Social Security which is normally open to the public for the receipt of claims for income support and includes an office of the Department for Education and Employment which is normally open to the public for the receipt of claims for jobseeker’s allowance and income support;

• “assessment period” means the period prescribed by regulation 21 of the UC Regulations;

• “contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance”, except in a case to which paragraph (b) of the definition of income-based jobseeker’s allowance applies, means a contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance under Part I of the Jobseekers Act 1995, but does not include any back to work bonus under section 26 of the Jobseekers Act which is paid as jobseeker’s allowance;

• “income-based jobseeker’s allowance” means—an income-based jobseeker’s allowance under Part I of the Jobseekers Act 1995; andin a case where, if there was no entitlement to contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance, there would be entitlement to income-based jobseeker’s allowance at the same rate, contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance,but does not include any back to work bonus under section 26 of the Jobseekers Act which is paid as jobseeker’s allowance;

• “ Jobseekers Act ” means the Jobseekers Act 1995;

• “ jobseeker’s allowance ” means an allowance under Part I of the Jobseekers Act but does not include any back to work bonus under section 26 of that Act which is paid as jobseeker’s allowance;

• “Commissioner” has the meaning it bears in section 39(1) of the 1998 Act ;

• “couple” means a married or unmarried couple;

• “debtor” means a person against whom a liability order has been made;

• “5 per cent. of the personal allowance for a single claimant aged not less than 25” and “5 per cent. of the personal allowance for a couple where both members are aged not less than 18” means, in each case, where the percentage is not a multiple of 5 pence, the sum obtained by rounding that 5 per cent. to the next higher such multiple;

• “income support” means income support within the meaning of the 1986 Act;but does not include any back to work bonus under section 26 of the Jobseekers Act which is paid as income support;

• “liability order” means an order under regulation 29 of the Community Charges (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1989 ;

• “married couple” has the meaning ascribed to it in section 20(11) of the 1986 Act;

• “payments to third parties” means direct payments to third parties in accordance with Schedule 9 to the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987 ; or Schedule 6 to the UC etc. Claims and Payments Regulations,

• “polygamous marriage” means a marriage to which section 22B of the Social Security Act 1986 refers ;

• “single debtor” means a debtor who is not a member of a couple;

• “state pension credit” means the benefit of that name payable under the State Pension Credit Act 2002;

• “tribunal” means an appeal tribunal constituted under Chapter I of Part I of the 1998 Act ;

• “the UC Regulations” means the Universal Credit Regulations 2013;

• “the UC etc. Claims and Payments Regulations” means the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Claims and Payments) Regulations 2013;

• “universal credit” means universal credit under Part 1 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012;

• “unmarried couple” has the meaning ascribed to it in section 20(11) of the 1986 Act.

• (3) Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in these Regulations to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation and Schedule bearing that number in the Regulations and any reference in a regulation or Schedule to a numbered paragraph is a reference to the paragraph of that regulation or Schedule having that number.

Deductions from income support

2

• (1) Where a debtor is entitled to income support, universal credit, state pension credit, jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance an authority may apply to the Secretary of State by sending an application in respect of the debtor or, where a liability order is made against a couple, in respect of both of the couple, to an appropriate social security office asking the Secretary of State to deduct sums from any amount payable to the debtor, or as the case may be either of the couple by way of income support, universal credit, state pension credit or jobseeker’s allowance.

• (2) An application from an authority shall be in writing and shall contain the following particulars–

• (a) the name and address of the debtor or where the liability order is made against a couple, the names and address of both of them;

• (b) the name and place of the court which made the liability order;

• (c) the date when the liability order was made;

• (d) the total amount of the arrears specified in the liability order;

• (e) the total amount which the authority wishes to have deducted from income support, state pension credit, jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance.

• (3) Where it appears to the Secretary of State that an application from an authority gives insufficient particulars to enable the debtor to be identified he may require the authority to furnish such further particulars as may reasonably be required.

• (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notification of decision

3

• (1) Subject to paragraph (4) and regulation 4, where the Secretary of State receives an application from an authority in respect of a debtor who is entitled to income support, state pension credit , income-based jobseeker’s allowance or income-related employment and support allowance and the amount payable by way of that benefit, after any deduction under this paragraph, is 10 pence or more, the Secretary of State may deduct a sum from that benefit which is equal to 5 per cent. of the personal allowance–

• (a) set out in paragraph 1(1)(e) of Schedule 2 to the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987 or, as the case may be, of Schedule 1 to the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996 for a couple where–

• (i) a liability order is made; and

• (ii) that benefit is payable, in respect of both members of a couple both of whom are aged not less than 18; and

• (b) in any other case, for a single claimant aged not less than 25 set out in paragraph 1(3)(c) of Schedule 2 to the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987 or, as the case may be, paragraph 1(3)(e) of Schedule 1 to the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996,

and pay that sum to the authority towards satisfaction of any outstanding sum which is or forms part of the amount in respect of which the liability order was made.

• (1A) Subject to paragraphs (1B), (1C) and (4A) and regulation 4, where the Secretary of State receives an application from an authority in respect of a debtor who is entitled to universal credit, the Secretary of State may deduct an amount from the universal credit payable to the debtor which is equal to 5 per cent. of the appropriate universal credit standard allowance and pay that sum to the authority towards satisfaction of any outstanding sum which is, or forms part of, the amount in respect of which the liability order was made.

• (1B) No amount may be deducted under paragraph (1A) where it would reduce the amount of universal credit payable to the debtor to less than 1 penny.

• (1C) For the purpose of paragraph (1A), where 5 per cent. of the appropriate universal credit standard allowance results in a fraction of a penny, that fraction is to be disregarded if it is less than half a penny and otherwise it is to be treated as a penny.

• (1D) In paragraphs (1A) and (1C), “appropriate universal credit standard allowance” means the appropriate universal credit standard allowance for the debtor for the assessment period in question under regulation 36 of the UC Regulations.

• (2) Subject to paragraph (3) and regulation 4, where–

• (a) the Secretary of State receives an application from an authority in respect of a debtor who is entitled to contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance; and

• (b) the amount of contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance payable before any deduction under this paragraph is equal to or more than one-third of the age-related amount applicable to the debtor under section 4(1)(a) of the Jobseekers Act,

the Secretary of State may deduct a sum from that benefit which is equal to one-third of the age-related amount applicable to the debtor under section 4(1)(a) of the Jobseekers Act and pay that sum to the authority towards satisfaction of any outstanding sum which is or forms part of the amount in respect of which the liability order was made.

• (3) Where the sum that would otherwise fall to be deducted under paragraph (2) includes a fraction of a penny, the sum to be deducted shall be rounded down to the next whole penny.

• (4) Before making a deduction under paragraph (1) the Secretary of State shall make any deduction which falls to be made in respect of a liability mentioned in any of the following provisions of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987–

• (a) regulation 34A (mortgage interest);

• (b) paragraph 3 (housing costs) of Schedule 9;

• (c) paragraph 5 (rent and certain service charges for fuel) of Schedule 9;

• (d) paragraph 6 (fuel costs) of Schedule 9; and

• (e) paragraph 7 (water charges) of Schedule 9.

• (4A) Before making a deduction under paragraph (1A), the Secretary of State must make any deduction which falls to be made in respect of a liability mentioned in paragraph 5(2)(a) to (c) of Schedule 6 to the UC etc. Claims and Payments Regulations.

• (5) Subject to regulations 5 and 6, a decision of the Secretary of State under this regulation shall be final.

• (6) The Secretary of State shall notify the debtor in writing of a decision to make a deduction under this regulation as soon as is practicable and at the same time shall notify the debtor of his right of appeal.

Circumstances, time of making and termination of deductions

4

• (1) The Secretary of State–

• (a) shall make deductions under regulation 3(1) or (2) only where the debtor is entitled to income support, state pension credit, jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance throughout any benefit week; and

• (b) shall not determine any application under regulation 2 which relates to a debtor in respect of whom–

• (i) he is making deductions; or

• (ii) deductions fall to be made,

pursuant to an earlier application under regulation 3 until no deductions pursuant to that earlier application fall to be made.

• (1A) The Secretary of State may make deductions from universal credit under regulation 3(1A) only if—

• (a) the debtor is entitled to universal credit throughout any assessment period; and

• (b) no deductions are being made in respect of the debtor under any other application.

• (2) The Secretary of State shall make deductions from income support, universal credit, state pension credit , jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance at a time which corresponds to the payment of income support, universal credit, state pension credit to the debtor and he shall cease making deductions when–

• (a) a payment to a third party has priority;

• (b) there is insufficient entitlement to income support, universal credit, state pension credit , jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance to enable him to make the deduction;

• (c) entitlement to income support, universal credit, state pension credit , jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance ceases;

• (d) an authority withdraws its application for deductions to be made; or

• (e) the debt in respect of which he was making the deductions is discharged.

• (3) Payments shall be made to the authority at such intervals as the Secretary of State may decide.

Appeal

5

Any decision of the Secretary of State under regulation 3 may be revised under section 9 of the 1998 Act or superseded under section 10 of that Act as though the decision were made under section 8(1)(c) of that Act.

Review

6

Any decision of the Secretary of State under regulation 3 (whether as originally made or as revised under regulation 5) may be appealed to a tribunal as though the decision were made on an award of a relevant benefit (within the meaning of section 8(3) of the 1998 Act ) under section 8(1)(c) of the 1998 Act .

Correction of accidental errors

7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setting aside decisions on certain grounds

8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Provisions common to regulations 7 and 8

9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Manner of making applications or appeals and time limits

10

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Manner and time for the service of notices etc.

11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Revocation

12

The Community Charges (Deductions from Income Support) Regulations 1990 are hereby revoked.

SCHEDULE 1 — TIME LIMITS FOR MAKING APPLICATIONS OR APPEALS

1

Appeal to a tribunal from an adjudication officer’s decision (regulation 5).

2

Application to the Chairman for leave of appeal to a Commissioner from the decision of a tribunal (paragraph 16, Schedule 2).

3

Application to–

4

Application for leave to appeal to the Commissioner where the chairman has refused leave (paragraph 17, Schedule 2).

5

Appeal to the Commissioner (regulation 5).

6

Leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal (regulation 5(5) and Schedule 2).

SCHEDULE 2

CONDUCT AND PROCEDURE IN RELATION TO APPEALS AND APPLICATIONS

Common provisions in connection with appeals and applications

1

• (1) Subject to the provisions of these Regulations–

• (a) the procedure in connection with the consideration of any appeal, or any application in relation to questions to which these Regulations relate, shall be such as the adjudication officer, chairman of the tribunal or the Commissioner may determine;

• (b) any person who by virtue of these Regulations has the right to be heard at a hearing may be accompanied and represented by another person whether having professional qualifications or not, and for the purposes of any proceedings at any hearing any such representative shall have all the rights and powers to which the person whom he represents is entitled under these Regulations.

• (2) Nothing in these Regulations shall prevent a member of the Council on Tribunals in his capacity as such from being present at any oral hearing before a tribunal or a Commissioner, notwithstanding that the hearing is not in public.

2

Reasonable notice (being not less than 10 days beginning on the day on which notice is given and ending on the day before the hearing of the appeal) of the time and place of any oral hearing before the tribunal or the Commissioner shall be given to every party to the proceedings, and if such notice has not been given to a person to whom it should have been given under the provisions of this paragraph the hearing may proceed only with the consent of that person.

3

At any oral hearing any party shall be entitled to be present and be heard.

Postponements and adjournments

4

• (1) Where a person to whom notice of an oral hearing has been given wishes to apply for that hearing to be postponed he shall do so in writing to the chairman of the tribunal or the Commissioner stating his reasons for the application and the chairman or the Commissioner may grant or refuse the application as he sees fit.

• (2) An oral hearing may be adjourned at any time on the application of any party to the proceedings or on the motion of the tribunal or the Commissioner.

Striking out of proceedings for want of prosecution

5

• (1) The chairman of a tribunal or the Commissioner may, subject to sub-paragraph (2), on the application of any party to the proceedings or of his own motion, strike out any appeal or application for want of prosecution.

• (2) Before making an order under sub-paragraph (1) the chairman of a tribunal or the Commissioner, as the case may be, shall send notice to the person against whom it is proposed that any order should be made giving him a reasonable opportunity to show cause why such an order should not be made.

• (3) The chairman of a tribunal or the Commissioner, as the case may be, may, on application by the party concerned, give leave to reinstate any application or appeal which has been struck out in accordance with sub-paragraph (1).

APPLICATION AND APPEALS TO THE TRIBUNAL

Procedure in connection with determinations

6

For the purposes of arriving at its decision a tribunal shall, and for the purpose of discussing any question of procedure may, notwithstanding anything in these Regulations, order all persons not being members of the tribunal other than its clerk to withdraw from the sitting of the tribunal except that–

• (a) a member of the Council on Tribunals, the President of Social Security Appeal Tribunals and any full time chairman; and

• (b) with the leave of the chairman of the tribunal, if no person having the right to be heard objects, any any person mentioned in paragraph 13(1)(b) and (d) (except a person undergoing training as an adjudication officer),

may remain present at any such sitting.

Oral hearings

7

A tribunal shall hold an oral hearing of every appeal made to them.

8

If a party to the proceedings to whom notice has been given under paragraph 2 should fail to appear at the hearing, the tribunal may, having regard to all the circumstances, including any explanation offered for the absence, proceed with the case notwithstanding his absence or give such directions with a view to the determination of the case as they think fit.

9

Any oral hearing before a tribunal shall be in public except that the hearing shall be in private where the debtor requests a private hearing, or where the chairman is satisfied in the particular circumstances of the case that intimate personal or financial circumstances may have to be disclosed, or that considerations of public security are involved.

10

Any case may with the consent of the debtor or his representative, but not otherwise, be proceeded with in the absence of any one member other than the chairman.

11

Where the oral hearing is adjourned and at the hearing after the adjournment the tribunal is differently constituted otherwise than through the operation of paragraph 10, the proceedings at that hearing shall be by way of a complete rehearing of the case.

12

• (1) The decision of the majority of the tribunal shall be the decision of the tribunal but, where the tribunal consists of an even number, the chairman shall have a second or casting vote.

• (2) The chairman of a tribunal shall–

• (a) record in writing all its decisions; and

• (b) include in the record of every decision a statement of the reasons for such decision and of their findings on questions of fact material thereto; and

• (c) if a decision is not unanimous, record a statement that one of the members dissented and the reasons given by him for so dissenting.

• (3) As soon as may be practicable after a case has been decided by a tribunal, a copy of the record of the decision made in accordance with this paragraph shall be sent to every party to the proceedings who shall also be informed of the conditions governing appeals to a Commissioner.

13

• (1) The following persons shall be entitled to be present at an oral hearing (whether or not it is in private) but shall take no part in the proceedings–

• (a) the President of Social Security Appeal Tribunals;

• (b) any person undergoing training as a chairman or other member of a tribunal, or as a clerk to a tribunal, or as an adjudication officer;

• (c) any person acting on behalf of the President of the Social Security Appeal Tribunals, the Chief Adjudication Officer appointed under section 97(1B)[^f00012] of the 1975 Act, or the Secretary of State, in the training or supervision of clerks to tribunals or adjudication officers or officers of the Secretary of State or in the monitoring of standards of adjudication by adjudication officers;

• (d) any regional or full-time chairman of appeal tribunals appointed under paragraph 1A of Schedule 10 to the 1975 Act[^f00013]; and

• (e) with the leave of the chairman of the tribunal and with the consent of every party to the proceedings actually present, any other person.

• (2) Nothing in sub-paragraph (1) affects the rights of any person mentioned in heads (a) and (b) at any oral hearing where he is sitting as a member of the tribunal or acting as its clerk, and nothing in this paragraph prevents the presence at an oral hearing of any witness.

14

Any person entitled to be heard at an oral hearing may address the tribunal, may give evidence, may call witness and may put questions directly to any other person called as a witness.

Withdrawal of appeals

15

Any appeal to the tribunal under these Regulations may be withdrawn by the person who made the appeal–

• (a) before the hearing begins by giving written notice of intention to withdraw to the tribunal and with the consent in writing of the adjudication officer who made the decision; or

• (b) after the hearing has begun with the leave of the chairman of the tribunal at any time before the determination is made.

Application to a Chairman for leave to appeal from a tribunal to a Commissioner

16

• (1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, an application to the chairman of a tribunal for leave to appeal to a Commissioner from a decision of the tribunal shall be made–

• (a) orally at the hearing after the decision is announced by the tribunal; or

• (b) as provided by regulation 10 and Schedule 1.

• (2) Where an application in writing for leave to appeal is made by an adjudication officer, the clerk to the tribunal shall, as soon as may be practicable, send a copy of the application to every other party to the proceedings.

• (3) The decision of the chairman on an application for leave to appeal made under sub-paragraph (1)(a) shall be recorded in the record of the proceedings of the tribunal, and an application under sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall be recorded in writing and a copy shall be sent to each party to the proceedings.

• (4) A person who has made an application to the chairman of a tribunal for leave to appeal to a Commissioner may withdraw his application at any time before it is determined by giving written notice of intention to the chairman.

APPLICATIONS AND APPEAL TO A COMMISSIONER

Applications to a Commissioner for leave to appeal from a tribunal

17

Subject to paragraph 18, an application may be made to a Commissioner for leave to appeal against a decision of a tribunal only where the applicant has been refused leave to appeal by a person qualified to act as chairman of a tribunal.

18

Where there has been a failure to apply to the chairman for leave to appeal during the time specified in Schedule 1, an application for leave to appeal may be made to a Commissioner who may, if for special reasons he thinks fit, accept and proceed to consider and determine the application.

Notice of application

19

• (1) Where the applicant has been refused leave to appeal by the chairman of a tribunal otherwise than by a decision recorded in the record of proceedings of the tribunal, the notice shall also have annexed to it a copy of the decision refusing leave and shall state the date on which the applicant was given notice in writing of the refusal of leave.

• (2) Where the applicant has failed–

• (a) to apply within the specified time to the chairman of a tribunal for leave to appeal; or

• (b) to comply with paragraph 4 of Schedule 1;

the notice of application for leave to appeal shall, in addition to complying with regulation 10(5), state the grounds relied upon for seeking acceptance of the application notwithstanding that the relevant period has expired.

20

Where an application for leave to appeal is made by an adjudication officer the applicant shall, as soon as may be practicable, send the respondent a copy of the notice of application for leave to appeal.

Determination of applications for leave

21

• (1) The office of the Social Security Commissioners shall notify the applicant and the respondent in writing of the determination by a Commissioner of the application.

• (2) Subject to a direction by a Commissioner to the contrary, where a Commissioner grants leave to appeal on an application notice of appeal shall be deemed to have been given on the date when notice of the determination is given to the applicant and the notice of application shall be deemed to be a notice of appeal duly served under paragraph 5 of Schedule 1.

• (3) If on consideration of an application for leave to appeal to him from the decision of a tribunal the Commissioner grants leave he may, with the consent of the applicant and each respondent treat the application as an appeal and determine any questions arising on the application as though it were a question arising on an appeal.

Acknowledgement of a notice of appeal and notification to each respondent

22

The office of the Social Security Commissioners shall send–

• (a) to the appellant an acknowledgement of the receipt of a notice of appeal; and

• (b) to each respondent a copy of the notice of appeal.

Respondents’s written observations

23

• (1) A respondent who wishes to submit to a Commissioner written observations on the appeal shall do so within 30 days of being given notice in writing of it.

• (2) Any such written observations shall include–

• (a) the respondent’s name and address for service;

• (b) in the case of observations on an appeal, a statement as to whether or not he opposes the appeal; and

• (c) in any case, the grounds upon which the respondent proposes to rely,

and a copy of any written observations from a respondent shall be sent by the office of the Social Security Commissioners to the other parties.

Written observations in reply

24

Any party may, within 30 days of being sent written observations submitted in accordance with paragraph 23, submit to a Commissioner written observations in reply and a copy of any such observations shall be sent by the office of the Social Security Commissioners to the other parties.

Directions

25

• (1) At any stage of the proceedings, a Commissioner may, either of his own motion or on application setting out the direction which the applicant is seeking, give such directions as he considers necessary or desirable for the efficient and effective despatch of the proceedings.

• (2) Without prejudice to paragraphs 23 and 24 or to sub-paragraph (1) above, a Commissioner may direct any party to any proceedings before him to make such written observations as may seem to him necessary to enable the question at issue to be determined.

• (3) An application under sub-paragraph (1) shall be made to a Commissioner in writing and shall set out the direction which the applicant is seeking to have made and the grounds for the application.

• (4) Unless the Commissioner shall otherwise determine, an application made pursuant to sub-paragraph (1) above shall be copied by the office of the Social Security Commissioners to the other parties.

Requests for oral hearing

26

• (1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3), a Commissioner may determine an application for leave of appeal or an appeal without an oral hearing.

• (2) Where, in any proceedings before a Commissioner, a request is made by any party for an oral hearing the Commissioner shall grant the request unless, after considering all the circumstances of the case and the reasons put forward in the request for the hearing, he is satisfied that the application or appeal can properly be determined without a hearing, in which event he may proceed to determine the case without a hearing and he shall in writing either before giving his determination or decision, or in it, inform the person making the request that it has been refused.

• (3) A Commissioner may of his own motion at any stage, if he is satisfied that an oral hearing is desirable, direct such a hearing.

Oral hearings

27

• (1) If any party to the proceedings to whom notice of an oral hearing has been given under paragraph 2 should fail to appear at the hearing, the Commissioner may, having regard to all the circumstances, including any explanation offered for the absence, proceed with the case notwithstanding his absence, or the Commissioner may give such directions with a view to the determination of the case as he thinks fit.

• (2) Any oral hearing shall be in public except where the Commissioner is satisfied that intimate personal or financial circumstances may have to be disclosed or that considerations of public security are involved, in which case the hearing or any part of it shall be in private.

• (3) Where a Commissioner holds an oral hearing the following persons shall be entitled to be present and be heard–

• (a) the person making the application or appeal;

• (b) the debtor;

• (c) an adjudication officer;

• (d) a representative of a trade union, employers' association or other association which exists to promote the interest and welfare of its members; or

• (e) any other person with the leave of the Commissioner.

Summoning of witnesses

28

• (1) A Commissioner may summon any person to attend as a witness, at such time and place as may be specified in the summons, at an oral hearing of an application to a Commissioner for leave to appeal or of an appeal, to answer any questions or produce any documents in his custody or under his control which relate to any matter in question in the proceedings:

Postponement and adjournment

29

A Commissioner may of his own motion postpone an oral hearing, or adjourn it at any time once it has begun.

Withdrawal of applications for leave to appeal and appeals

30

At any time before it is determined–

• (a) an application for leave to appeal may be withdrawn by the applicant by giving written notice to a Commissioner of his intention to do so,

• (b) an appeal may be withdrawn by the appellant with leave of the Commissioner,

and a Commissioner may, on application by the party concerned give leave to reinstate any application or appeal which has been withdrawn and on giving leave he may give such directions as he thinks fit.

Irregularities

31

Any irregularity resulting from failure to comply with the requirements of these Regulations before a Commissioner has determined the application or appeal shall not by itself invalidate any proceedings, and the Commissioner, before reaching his decision, may waive the irregularity or take such steps as he thinks fit to remedy the irregularity whether by amendment of any document, or the giving of any notice or directions or otherwise.

Determinations and decisions of a Commissioner

32

• (1) The determination of a Commissioner on an application for leave to appeal shall be in writing and signed by him.

• (2) The decision of a Commissioner on an appeal shall be in writing and signed by him and, except in respect of a decision made with the consent of the parties, he shall record reasons.

• (3) A copy of the determination or decision and any reasons shall be sent to the parties by the office of the Social Security Commissioners.

• (4) Without prejudice to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) above, a Commissioner may announce his determination or decision at the conclusion of an oral hearing.

General powers of a Commissioner

33

A Commissioner may, if he thinks fit–

• (a) except where regulation 10(3) applies, extend the time specified in these Regulations for doing any act, notwithstanding that the time specified may have expired;

• (b) abridge the time specified in these Regulations for doing any act;

• (c) expedite the proceedings in such manner as he thinks fit.

Delegation of functions to nominated officers

34

• (1) All or any of the following functions of a Commissioner may be exercised by a nominated officer authorised by the Lord Chancellor in accordance with section 114(2C)[^f00014] of the 1975 Act–

• (a) making a direction under regulation 10(6) and paragraph 25;

• (b) making orders for oral hearings under paragraphs 26(2) and (3);

• (c) summoning witnesses under paragraph 28 and setting aside any witness summons made by a nominated officer;

• (d) ordering a postponement of oral hearings under paragraph 4(1);

• (e) giving leave for withdrawal of any appeal under paragraph 30;

• (f) making any order for extension of time under regulation 10 or extension or abridgement of time, or expediting proceedings under paragraph 33;

• (g) making an order under sub-paragraph (2).

• (2) Any party may, within 10 days of being given the decision of a nominated officer, in writing request a Commissioner to consider, and confirm or replace within his own, that decision but such a request shall not stop the proceedings unless so ordered by the Commissioner.

APPLICATION TO A COMMISSIONER FOR LEAVE TO APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEAL

35

• (1) For the purposes of making an application for leave to appeal where–

• (a) a debtor is unable for the time being to act; and

• (b) no receiver has been appointed by the Court of Protection with power to claim or receive benefit on his behalf,

the Secretary of State may, upon written application made to him by a person who, if a natural person, is over the age of 18, appoint that person to exercise, on behalf of the person who is unable to act, any right to which that person may be entitled.

• (2) Where the Secretary of State has made an appointment under sub-paragraph (1)–

• (a) he may at any time revoke it;

• (b) the person appointed may resign his office after having given one month’s notice in writing to the Secretary of State of his intention to do so;

• (c) any such appointment shall terminate when the Secretary of State is notified that a receiver has been appointed by the Court of Protection.

36

Paragraph 30 shall apply to an application for leave to appeal as it applies to the proceedings therein set out.

Signed

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Social Security

Gillian Shephard — Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, — 1990-03-08

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

Footnotes

[^f00001]: 1988 c. 41. Section 146(6) is cited for the meaning it ascribes to “Prescribed”.

[^f00002]: 1971 c. 62.

[^f00003]: 1975 c. 14.

[^f00004]: 1986 c. 50.

[^f00005]: 1980 c. 30.

[^f00006]: S.I. 1989/438.

[^f00007]: S.I. 1987/1968, amended by S.I. 1988/522, 1725, 1989/136 and 1689.

[^f00008]: Section 22B was inserted into the Social Security Act 1986 by the Local Government Finance Act 1988 (c. 41), Schedule 10, paragraph 5 and was amended by the Social Security Act 1989 (c. 24), Schedule 8, paragraph 9(3).

[^f00009]: S.I. 1987/1967, to which the relevant amendment is S.I. 1988/1228.

[^f00010]: See Schedule 7 to S.I. 1987/1968.

[^f00011]: S.I. 1990/107.

[^f00012]: Sub-sections (1) to (2E) of section 97 of the Social Security Act 1975 were substituted for section 97(1) by the Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983 (c. 41), Schedule 8, paragraph 2.

[^f00013]: Paragraph 1A of Schedule 10 to the Social Security Act 1975 (c. 14) was inserted by paragraph 8 of Schedule 8 to the Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983.

[^f00014]: Section 114(2C) of the Social Security Act 1975 was inserted by paragraph 16(a) of Schedule 5 to the Social Security Act 1986 (c. 50).

Application for deductions from income support, universal credit, state pension credit, jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance

Deductions from debtor’s jobseeker’s allowance

2A

Deductions from debtor’s income support, universal credit, state pension credit , jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance

Circumstances, time of making and termination of deductions

Revision and supersession

Appeal

Correction of accidental errors

Setting aside decisions on certain grounds

Provisions common to regulations 7 and 8

Manner of making applications or appeals and time limits

Manner and time for the service of notices etc.

Revocation

...

Editorial notes

[^c2181140]: 1988 c. 41. Section 146(6) is cited for the meaning it ascribes to “Prescribed”.

[^c2181141]: 1971 c. 62.

[^c2181143]: 1986 c. 50.

[^c2181145]: S.I. 1989/438.

[^c2181146]: S.I. 1987/1968, amended by S.I. 1988/522, 1725, 1989/136 and 1689.

[^c2181147]: Section 22B was inserted into the Social Security Act 1986 by the Local Government Finance Act 1988 (c. 41), Schedule 10, paragraph 5 and was amended by the Social Security Act 1989 (c. 24), Schedule 8, paragraph 9(3).

[^c2181149]: See Schedule 7 to S.I. 1987/1968.

[^c2181150]: S.I. 1990/107.

[^M_F_665c2385-7b1f-4595-e33c-c90e72694106]: Words in reg. 1(2) substituted (7.10.1996) by S.I. 1996/2344, reg. 1, 6(a)

[^M_F_f1ce6efe-327e-40bc-c276-1d8c81472b2f]: Words in reg. 1(2) substituted (7.10.1996) by S.I. 1996/2344, reg. 1, 6(a)

[^M_F_517c6247-51ba-4b19-b206-f4d3f03921bc]: Words in reg. 1(2) added (7.10.1996) by S.I. 1996/2344, reg. 1, 6(b)

[^M_F_912234f2-c010-4226-9404-55bdd27410a7]: Words in reg. 1(2) added (7.10.1996) by S.I. 1996/2344, reg. 1, 6(c)

[^M_F_1aef9a29-bd39-4a1e-82d7-4142c494ebe3]: Words in reg. 1(2) added (7.10.1996) by S.I. 1996/2344, reg. 1, 6(c)

[^M_F_ea6780ce-130f-4dc0-ae17-df3f8787e90f]: Words in reg. 2(1) heading substituted (7.10.1996), by S.I. 1999/2344, reg. 1, (7)(1)

[^M_F_705fdf21-f0ca-4049-d89f-5dc82d0af619]: Words in reg. 2(1) added (7.10.1996) by S.I. 1996/2344, reg. 1, 7(3)

[^M_F_34bda29b-56a8-4e52-af25-2857b838ba9b]: Words in reg. 2(2) inserted (7.10.1996) by S.I. 1996/2344, reg. 1, 7(4)

[^M_F_e6f6eabb-9a5c-412b-a1a3-868d5fe6fb9a]: Reg. 1(2) omitted (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, para. 1(d), Sch. 11

[^M_F_0a6960bb-2dc0-4564-a93c-b56c1566b4f9]: Reg. 1(2) omitted (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, para. 1(d), Sch. 11

[^M_F_ad5757b4-b660-43e1-e778-af0b9a4dd56e]: Word in reg. 2 substituted (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, para. 5, Sch. 11

[^M_F_2e0d1bbf-2265-4135-ab8a-5bb47f37ea68]: Reg. 2(4) omitted (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 11 para. 2

[^M_F_c245d445-3342-44c4-ecbe-ecec3dd0ea06]: Reg. 2(5) omitted (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 2(5), Sch. 11 para. 2

[^M_F_9bec39b4-5e93-4593-b3ce-efa1eac7536b]: Reg. 2(6) omitted (29.11.1999), by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 2(6), Sch. 11 para. 2

[^M_F_38b960e3-8f86-49e4-eb47-37ad3439c2bb]: Reg. 3 substituted reg. 2A and reg. 3 (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 11 para. 3

[^M_F_de45f87d-83c9-463f-8206-1a6bca27bb4a]: Reg. 4(1) substituted (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 11 para. 4

[^M_F_8da64d2e-e082-4ffe-e190-fdbf39149e59]: Reg. 5 substituted (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 11 para. 5

[^M_F_89d5d516-4e4a-40c0-ab9b-a99d0ae418e2]: Reg. 6 substituted (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 11 para. 6

[^M_F_1dc198f4-efa9-494c-ffc4-88c59747dcb6]: Reg. 7 revoked (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 11 para. 6

[^M_F_5055a874-28c2-42d7-fd28-390f35eafe46]: Reg. 8 revoked (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 11 para. 6

[^M_F_bcc3ee04-f05a-483e-df11-09fc8117802b]: Reg. 9 revoked (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 11 para 6

[^M_F_98c77ba1-d80f-4621-d494-c630c6a82a30]: Reg. 10 revoked (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 11 para. 6

[^M_F_11997cc1-4f15-408c-df4a-efd2ef757371]: Reg. 11 revoked (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 11 para. 6

[^M_F_3c573cde-e333-47a4-ed2d-e3de26c8b7c4]: Reg. 1(2) substituted (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 1 para. 1(d)

[^M_F_44e397a0-5c54-47e2-b02b-9624ce79a29b]: Sch. 1 revoked (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 11 para. 6

[^M_F_8438925f-8be8-49a3-91c0-d8e944667589]: Sch. 2 revoked (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, reg. 1, Sch. 11 para. 6

[^key-82721ae05ff3323ccdadd684201e7e79]: Words in reg. 1(2) inserted (1.1.1998 coming into force in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(4)(5)(6), 1.1.1998) by The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1998 (S.I. 1998/563), regs. 1, 3(1), 3(2)(a)

[^key-360aa0a688c7ee6968200a6b319173a1]: Words in reg. 1(2) inserted (6.10.2003) by State Pension Credit (Consequential, Transitional and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/3019), regs. 1(2)(b), 35(2)

[^key-b349676b0e556e52af131ffa10750621]: Words in reg. 2 inserted (6.10.2003) by State Pension Credit (Consequential, Transitional and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/3019), regs. 1(2)(b), 35(3)

[^key-21ed7d1d1c7d052a9680b03c0c860135]: Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (6.10.2003) by State Pension Credit (Consequential, Transitional and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/3019), regs. 1(2)(b), 35(3)

[^key-7b28065a0399a36e7eba33525a624a22]: Words in reg. 2(2)(e) inserted (6.10.2003) by State Pension Credit (Consequential, Transitional and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/3019), regs. 1(2)(b), 35(3)

[^key-d2bc9745de48feef1b29d5577bedecdd]: Words in reg. 3 inserted (6.10.2003) by State Pension Credit (Consequential, Transitional and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/3019), regs. 1(2)(b), 35(4)

[^key-49a0d38b22a30da40aeaff4255797004]: Words in reg. 3(1) inserted (6.10.2003) by State Pension Credit (Consequential, Transitional and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/3019), regs. 1(2)(b), 35(4)

[^key-aacb0d6f772c432cdd64c732fd22629c]: Words in reg. 4 inserted (6.10.2003) by State Pension Credit (Consequential, Transitional and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/3019), regs. 1(2)(b), 35(5)

[^key-4a428d51f36a6cc02046f6ee356f7ab8]: Words in reg. 2 substituted (27.10.2008) by Employment and Support Allowance (Consequential Provisions) (No.2) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1554), regs. 1(2)(b), 53(2)(a)

[^key-7ba443246ec89d01e8c99059876ab479]: Words in reg. 2(2)(e) substituted (27.10.2008) by Employment and Support Allowance (Consequential Provisions) (No.2) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1554), regs. 1(2)(b), 53(2)(c)

[^key-e79197620a0a185a709e9e07941abcac]: Words in reg. 3 substituted (27.10.2008) by Employment and Support Allowance (Consequential Provisions) (No.2) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1554), regs. 1(2)(b), 53(3)(a)

[^key-46e9642f1259e7eb2afc617bc566f24f]: Words in reg. 3(1) substituted (27.10.2008) by Employment and Support Allowance (Consequential Provisions) (No.2) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1554), regs. 1(2)(b), 53(3)(b)

[^key-20189a6fb1b325876f72368b5c4b4f45]: Words in reg. 4 substituted (27.10.2008) by Employment and Support Allowance (Consequential Provisions) (No.2) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1554), regs. 1(2)(b), 53(4)

[^key-cb3199b6cbeb555454e42573de2088bf]: Reg. 1 modified (1.10.2010) by Employment and Support Allowance (Transitional Provisions, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit) (Existing Awards) (No.2) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1907), reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 63 (with reg. 3)

[^key-a564050d32ae5cd06f235b1c9d9d4f3c]: Words in reg. 1(2) inserted (29.4.2013) by The Fines, Council Tax and Community Charges (Deductions from Universal Credit and Other Benefits) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/612), regs. 1(2), 14(2)

[^key-139149b6c6f177ad48f34054c50b2b0b]: Words in reg. 1(2) added (29.4.2013) by The Fines, Council Tax and Community Charges (Deductions from Universal Credit and Other Benefits) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/612), regs. 1(2), 14(3)

[^key-2034e4573425474f54d58694fbd503d5]: Words in reg. 1(2) inserted (29.4.2013) by The Fines, Council Tax and Community Charges (Deductions from Universal Credit and Other Benefits) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/612), regs. 1(2), 14(4)

[^key-7b4b763d93c82dc9e91c7071c1c6699c]: Words in reg. 2 inserted (29.4.2013) by The Fines, Council Tax and Community Charges (Deductions from Universal Credit and Other Benefits) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/612), regs. 1(2), 15(a)

[^key-da67c8f2110c317737fdc6a9a518eb3c]: Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (29.4.2013) by The Fines, Council Tax and Community Charges (Deductions from Universal Credit and Other Benefits) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/612), regs. 1(2), 15(b)

[^M_F_335e2d8a-f276-4758-d69e-a45fd9ad7722]: Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (6.10.2003) by State Pension Credit (Consequential, Transitional and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/3019), regs. 1(2)(b), 35(3)

[^key-f3b070f23ce4cca054d08410eee11fd1]: Words in reg. 3 inserted (29.4.2013) by The Fines, Council Tax and Community Charges (Deductions from Universal Credit and Other Benefits) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/612), regs. 1(2), 16(2)

[^key-2467bc855de4e48e9ab1be51aba1fc90]: Reg. 3(1A)-(1D) inserted (29.4.2013) by The Fines, Council Tax and Community Charges (Deductions from Universal Credit and Other Benefits) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/612), regs. 1(2), 16(3)

[^key-45c5fcdadfbde94f5a7076898453c507]: Reg. 3(4A) inserted (29.4.2013) by The Fines, Council Tax and Community Charges (Deductions from Universal Credit and Other Benefits) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/612), regs. 1(2), 16(4)

[^key-65e59b251ffc4dd83e150eac0e0becf5]: Reg. 4(1A) inserted (29.4.2013) by The Fines, Council Tax and Community Charges (Deductions from Universal Credit and Other Benefits) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/612), regs. 1(2), 17(b)

[^key-4a5063b9f4bb7d44b84dd2cb767134a1]: Words in reg. 4(1)(a) substituted (29.4.2013) by The Fines, Council Tax and Community Charges (Deductions from Universal Credit and Other Benefits) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/612), regs. 1(2), 17(a)

[^key-29083790d68288000dc0ab0a94f40bd0]: Words in reg. 4(2) inserted (29.4.2013) by The Fines, Council Tax and Community Charges (Deductions from Universal Credit and Other Benefits) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/612), regs. 1(2), 17(c)

[^M_F_86d048dc-a479-408f-c843-28b73e4dddd9]: Words in reg. 1(2) inserted (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, para. 1(b), Sch. 11

[^M_F_38dcecf9-f64f-4f3f-e983-2f96c134f777]: Words in reg. 1(2) substituted (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/3178, para. 1(c), Sch. 11