2nd remaking of Annual up-rating of social security pensions, benefits and allowances - screening

Social security benefits, pensions and allowances in Northern Ireland (NI) are generally maintained in parity with Great Britain (GB).

The rates of most social security benefits, pensions and allowances are reviewed each year in GB and usually up-rated in April. The Department for Communities is empowered to make corresponding provision for NI. This legislation is to provide for the increase in the rates for 2023-2024. The Department for Communities has no power to set different rates for NI in the Up-rating Order.

Since the original Up-rating Order and the Up-rating Regulations could not be confirmed by a resolution of the Assembly within six months of coming into operation as required, remaking these Statutory Rules is essential to ensure that there is a legislative basis to continue to pay the increased pension and benefit rates that were brought in from April 2023 to relevant recipients in Northern Ireland.