PART 1INTRODUCTION

Citation, commencement and effect

1.-(1) This Order may be cited as the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2018.

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), this Order shall come into force for the purposes of-

(a)this article and articles 2, 7 and 11, on 1st April 2018;

(b)article 3-

(i)in so far as it relates to any increase to which article 7(9)(b) applies, on 1st April 2018, and

(ii)for all other purposes, on 9th April 2018;

(c)articles 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 and 20, on 9th April 2018;

(d)article 8, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 1st April 2018, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph "benefit week" has the same meaning as in regulation 2(1) of the Computation of Earnings Regulations;

(e)articles 9, 17 and 18, on 6th April 2018;

(f)article 10, on 1st April 2018, except for the purpose of determining the rate of maternity allowance in accordance with section 35A(1)(8) of the Contributions and Benefits Act (appropriate weekly rate of maternity allowance under section 35), for which purpose it shall come into force on 9th April 2018;

(g)articles 21 and 22, in so far as they relate to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 9th April 2018, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph "benefit week" has the same meaning as in the Income Support Regulations;

(h)articles 23 and 24, in relation to a case where rent is payable at intervals of a week or any multiple thereof, on 2nd April 2018, and in relation to any other case, on 1st April 2018;

(i)article 25, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 9th April 2018, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph "benefit week" has the same meaning as in the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations;

(j)article 26, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 9th April 2018, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph "benefit week" has the same meaning as in the State Pension Credit Regulations;

(k)article 27, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 9th April 2018, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph "benefit week" has the same meaning as in the ESA Regulations 2008;

(l)article 28, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 9th April 2018, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph "benefit week" has the same meaning as in the ESA Regulations 2013;

(m)article 29, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first assessment period to commence for that beneficiary on or after 9th April 2018(9), and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph "assessment period" has the same meaning as in section 7(2) of the Welfare Reform Act 2012(10); and

(n)article 30, on 8th May 2018.

(3) In so far as articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19 and 28 relate to a beneficiary in favour of whom an award of universal credit is in force, those articles shall come into force for the purposes of determining the beneficiary's unearned income in relation to that award on the same day as article 29 comes into force for that beneficiary.

(4) The changes made in the sums specified for rates or amounts of benefit in articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14 shall take effect for each case on the date specified in relation to that case in article 7.

Interpretation

2.  In this Order-

"the Administration Act" means the Social Security Administration Act 1992;

"the Computation of Earnings Regulations" means the Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) Regulations 1996(11);

"the Contributions and Benefits Act" means the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992(12);

"the ESA Regulations 2008" means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008(13);

"the ESA Regulations 2013" means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013(14);

"the Housing Benefit Regulations" means the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006(15);

"the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations" means the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for state pension credit) Regulations 2006(16);

"the Income Support Regulations" means the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987(17);

"the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations" means the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations 1996(18);

"the Pensions Act" means the Pensions Act 2014(19);

"the Pension Schemes Act" means the Pension Schemes Act 1993(20);

"the State Pension Credit Regulations" means the State Pension Credit Regulations 2002(21); and

"the Universal Credit Regulations" means the Universal Credit Regulations 2013(22).

PART 2SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AND PENSIONS

Rates or amounts of certain benefits under the Contributions and Benefits Act

3.-(1) From and including the respective dates specified in article 7, the sums specified in paragraph (2) shall be increased so that Schedule 4 to the Contributions and Benefits Act (contributory periodical benefits, non-contributory periodical benefits, increases for dependants and rates of industrial injuries benefit), except paragraph 5 of Part III of that Schedule (guardian's allowance), 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, the sums specified for the increase in disablement pension for dependent children and death benefit allowance in respect of children and qualifying young persons(23).

Increase in rates or amounts of certain pensions and allowances under the Contributions and Benefits Act

4.-(1) The sums specified in paragraphs (2) to (5) shall be increased from and including the respective dates specified in article 7.

(2) 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 3.0 per cent.

(3) In section 44(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(24) (basic pension in a Category A retirement pension)-

(a)for "£102.10" substitute "£105.15"; and

(b)for "£122.30" substitute "£125.95".

(4) It is directed(25) that the sums which are-

(a)additional pensions in long-term benefits calculated by reference to any final relevant year earlier than the tax year 2017-2018;

(b)increases in the rates of retirement pensions under Schedule 5 to the Contributions and Benefits Act(26) (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(27) 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 126A of the Social Security Act 1975(28), section 63 of the Social Security Act 1986(29) or section 150(1)(e) of the Administration Act,

shall in each case be increased by 3.0 per cent.

(5) The sums which, under-

(a)section 55A and 55AA of the Contributions and Benefits Act(30), are shared additional pensions; and

(b)paragraph 2 of Schedule 5A to the Contributions and Benefits Act(31), are increases in the rates of such pensions,

shall in each case be increased by 3.0 per cent.

Increase in rates or amount of certain benefits under the Pension Schemes Act

5.-(1) It is directed(32) that the sums specified in paragraph (2) shall be increased from and including the respective dates specified in article 7.

(2) Sums which are payable by virtue of section 15(1) of the Pension Schemes Act (which provides for increases in a person's guaranteed minimum pension if payment of their occupational pension is postponed after they attain pensionable age) to a person who is also entitled to a Category A or Category B retirement pension (including sums payable by virtue of section 17(2)(33) and (3) of that Act) shall be increased by 3.0 per cent. where the increase under section 15(1) is attributable to earnings factors for the tax year 1987-88 and earlier tax years(34).

Increase in rates or amounts of certain pensions under Part 1 of the Pensions Act

6.-(1) The sums specified in paragraphs (2) to (4) shall be increased from and including the date specified in article 7(10).

(2) In regulation 1A of the State Pension Regulations 2015(35) (full rate of state pension) for "£159.55" substitute "£164.35".

(3) It is directed(36) 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 3.0 per cent.

(4) 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;

(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 one or more other pensions under Part 1 of 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 one or more other pensions under Part 1 of that Act exceed the full rate,

shall in each case be increased by 3.0 per cent.

(5) For the purpose of this article, "old state pension" has the same meaning as in section 22 of the Pensions Act.

Dates on which sums specified for rates or amounts of benefits in articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14 are changed by this Order

7.-(1) Paragraphs (2) to (8), which are subject to the provisions of paragraph (9), and (10) and (11) specify the date on which the changes made by this Order in the sums specified for rates or amounts of benefit in articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14 shall take effect for each case.

(2) Any increases in the sums mentioned in articles 3, 4, 12 and 13 for Category A, Category B, Category C and Category D retirement pension and graduated retirement benefit together with, where appropriate, any increases for dependants, shall take effect on 9th April 2018.

(3) The increases in the sums mentioned in article 5(2) shall take effect on 9th April 2018.

(4) Any increases in the sums specified for-

(a)the rate of-

(i)attendance allowance, and

(ii)carer's allowance (except in a case where the Secretary of State has made arrangements for it to be paid on a Wednesday); and

(b)any increases in-

(i)carer's allowance referred to in sub-paragraph (a)(ii), and

(ii)widowed mother's allowance and widowed parent's allowance,

in respect of dependants,

shall take effect on 9th April 2018.

(5) Any increases in the sums specified for-

(a)the rate of-

(i)carer's allowance in a case where the Secretary of State has made arrangements for it to be paid on a Wednesday,

(ii)disablement benefit,

(iii)maximum disablement gratuity under paragraph 9(2) of Schedule 7 to the Contributions and Benefits Act,

(iv)industrial death benefit by way of widow's and widower's pension,

(v)the maximum of the aggregate of weekly benefit payable for successive accidents, under section 107(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act; and

(b)any increases in-

(i)the benefits referred to in paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iv) of sub-paragraph (a) in respect of dependants, and

(ii)disablement pension,

shall take effect on 11th April 2018.

(6) In any case where a person's weekly rate of Category A or Category B retirement pension falls to be increased under the provisions of section 47(1) or 48C(2) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(37) by reference to the weekly rate of invalidity allowance or age addition to long-term incapacity benefit to which the person was previously entitled, any increase in such sum shall take effect on 9th April 2018.

(7) The changes in the sums specified for the rate of incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance together with, where appropriate, any increases for dependants, shall take effect on 12th April 2018.

(8) The increases in the sums falling to be calculated in accordance with paragraph 13(4) of Schedule 7 to the Contributions and Benefits Act (retirement allowance) shall take effect on 11th April 2018.

(9) Any increases in the sums specified in article 3 of this Order, in so far as those sums are relevant for the purposes of establishing whether the rate of any benefit is not to be increased in respect of an adult dependant because the earnings of the dependant exceed a specified amount(38), shall take effect-

(a)except in a case where sub-paragraph (b) applies, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for the beneficiary on or after 9th April 2018;

(b)in a case where regulation 7(b) of the Computation of Earnings Regulations (date on which earnings are treated as paid) applies, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for the beneficiary on or after 1st April 2018,

and for the purpose of this paragraph, "benefit week" has the same meaning as in regulation 2(1) of the Computation of Earnings Regulations.

(10) Any increases in the sums mentioned in article 6 for state pension under Part 1 of the Pensions Act shall take effect on 9th April 2018.

(11) The increase in the sum mentioned in article 14 shall take effect on 9th April 2018.

Earnings Limits

8.  In section 80(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(39) (earnings limits in respect of child dependency increases)-

(a)for "£230.00", in both places where it occurs, substitute "£235.00"; and

(b)for "£30.00" substitute "£31.00".

Statutory Sick Pay

9.  In section 157(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(40) (rate of payment of statutory sick pay) for "£89.35" substitute "£92.05".

Statutory Maternity Pay

10.  In regulation 6 of the Statutory Maternity Pay (General) Regulations 1986(41) (prescribed rate of statutory maternity pay) for "£140.98" substitute "£145.18".

Statutory Paternity Pay, Statutory Adoption Pay and Statutory Shared Parental Pay

11.-(1) In the Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations 2002(42)-

(a)in regulation 2(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory paternity pay) for "£140.98" substitute "£145.18"; and

(b)in regulation 3(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory adoption pay) for "£140.98" substitute "£145.18".

(2) In regulation 40(1)(a) of the Statutory Shared Parental Pay (General) Regulations 2014(43) (weekly rate of payment of statutory shared parental pay) for "£140.98" substitute "£145.18".

Increase in rate of graduated retirement benefit

12.-(1) In section 36(1) of the National Insurance Act 1965(44) (graduated retirement benefit)-

(a)the sum of 13.43 pence shall be increased by 3.0 per cent.; and

(b)the reference to that sum shall have effect as a reference to 13.83 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 1978(45) (increases for deferred retirement) shall be increased by 3.0 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 2005(46) (increases of graduated retirement benefit and lump sums) shall be increased by 3.0 per cent.

(4) The sums which are the additions under section 37(1) of the National Insurance Act 1965 (additions for widows and widowers) shall be increased by 3.0 per cent.

Increase in amount of Category C retirement pension under the Social Security (Widow's Benefit and Retirement Pensions) Regulations 1979

13.  In regulation 11(3) of the Social Security (Widow's Benefit and Retirement Pensions) Regulations 1979(47) (Category C retirement pension for widows of men over pensionable age on 5th July 1948) for "£73.30" substitute "£75.50".

Maximum additional pension

14.  In regulation 3A of the Social Security (Maximum Additional Pension) Regulations 2010(48) (prescribed maximum additional pension for survivors who become entitled on or after 6th April 2016) for "£167.26" substitute "£172.28".

Increase in rates of Disability Living Allowance

15.  In regulation 4 of the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations 1991(49) (rate of benefit)-

(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for "£83.10" substitute "£85.60";

(b)in paragraph (1)(b) for "£55.65" substitute "£57.30";

(c)in paragraph (1)(c) for "£22.00" substitute "£22.65";

(d)in paragraph (2)(a) for "£58.00" substitute "£59.75"; and

(e)in paragraph (2)(b) for "£22.00" substitute "£22.65".

Increase in rates of Personal Independence Payment

16.  In regulation 24 of the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013(50) (rate of personal independence payment)-

(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for "£55.65" substitute "£57.30";

(b)in paragraph (1)(b) for "£83.10" substitute "£85.60";

(c)in paragraph (2)(a) for "£22.00" substitute "£22.65"; and

(d)in paragraph (2)(b) for "£58.00" substitute "£59.75".

Rates of age addition

17.-(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 10(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations 1994(51) (increase in rate of incapacity benefit where beneficiary is under prescribed age on the qualifying date)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (a) for "£21.70" substitute "£22.35"; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (b) for "£10.90" substitute "£11.25".

(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit who was subject to regulation 2(3) of the Employment and Support Allowance (Up-rating Modification) (Transitional) Regulations 2008(52) the sums specified in regulation 10(2)(a) and (b) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations 1994 shall be increased to "£11.60" and "£6.45" respectively.

Rates of transitional invalidity allowance

18.-(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 18(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) (Transitional) Regulations 1995(53) (rate of long-term incapacity benefit in transitional cases)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (a) for "£21.70" substitute "£22.35";

(b)in sub-paragraph (b) for "£14.00" substitute "£14.40"; and

(c)in sub-paragraph (c) for "£7.00" substitute "£7.20".

(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit who was subject to regulation 2(3) of the Employment and Support Allowance (Up-rating Modification) (Transitional) Regulations 2008 the sums specified in regulation 18(2)(a), (b) and (c) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) (Transitional) Regulations 1995 shall be increased to "£11.60", "£6.45" and "£6.45" respectively.

Rates of bereavement benefits

19.  In the Rate of Bereavement Benefits Regulations 2010(54)-

(a)in regulation 2 (rate of widowed mother's allowance and widow's pension) for "£113.70" substitute "£117.10"; and

(b)in regulation 3 (rate of widowed parent's allowance) for "£113.70" substitute "£117.10".

Rates of bereavement support payment

20.  In regulation 3 of the Bereavement Support Payment Regulations 2017(55) (rate of bereavement support payment)-

(a)in paragraph (1) "£350" remains unchanged;

(b)in paragraph (2) "£3,500" remains unchanged;

(c)in paragraph (4) "£100" remains unchanged; and

(d)in paragraph (5) "£2,500" remains unchanged.

PART 3INCOME SUPPORT AND HOUSING BENEFIT

Applicable amounts for Income Support

21.-(1) The sums that are relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Income Support Regulations shall be the sums set out in this article and Schedules 2 and 3 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, any reference in this article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the Income Support Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In-

(a)regulations 17(1)(b)(56), 18(1)(c) and 21(1)(57); and

(b)paragraphs 13A(2)(a)(58) and 14(2)(a)(59) of Part III of Schedule 2,

the sum specified is in each case £3,000 (which remains unchanged).

(3) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 2(60) (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 2 to this Order.

(4) In paragraph 3 of Part II of Schedule 2(61) (applicable amounts: family premium)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) "£17.45" remains unchanged; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) "£17.45" remains unchanged.

(5) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 2(62) (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 3 to this Order.

(6) In paragraph 11(5) of Schedule 3(63) (general provisions applying to housing costs) "£100,000" remains unchanged.

(7) In paragraph 18 of Schedule 3(64) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for "£95.45" substitute "£98.30";

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for "£14.80" substitute "£15.25";

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£136.00" substitute "£139.00";

(d)in sub-paragraph (2)(b)-

(i)for "£34.00" substitute "£35.00";

(ii)for "£136.00" substitute "£139.00"; and

(iii)for "£200.00" substitute "£204.00";

(e)in sub-paragraph (2)(c)-

(i)for "£46.65" substitute "£48.05";

(ii)for "£200.00" substitute "£204.00"; and

(iii)for "£259.00" substitute "£265.00";

(f)in sub-paragraph (2)(d)-

(i)for "£76.35" substitute "£78.65";

(ii)for "£259.00" substitute "£265.00"; and

(iii)for "£346.00" substitute "£354.00"; and

(g)in sub-paragraph (2)(e)-

(i)for "£86.95" substitute "£89.55";

(ii)for "£346.00" substitute "£354.00"; and

(iii)for "£430.00" substitute "£439.00".

Income Support Transitional Protection

22.  It is directed(65) that the sums which are special transitional additions to income support payable in accordance with regulation 15 of the Income Support (Transitional) Regulations 1987(66) (special transitional addition) shall be increased by 3.0 per cent.

Housing Benefit

23.-(1) The sums that are 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 4 and 5 to this Order; and unless otherwise stated, any reference in this article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the Housing Benefit Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In regulation 27(3) (calculation of income on a weekly basis)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (a) "£175.00" remains unchanged; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (b) "£300" remains unchanged.

(3) In regulation 74(67) (non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for "£95.45" substitute "£98.30";

(b)in paragraph (1)(b) for "£14.80" substitute "£15.25";

(c)in paragraph (2)(a) for "£136.00" substitute "£139.00";

(d)in paragraph (2)(b)-

(i)for "£34.00" substitute "£35.00";

(ii)for "£136.00" substitute "£139.00"; and

(iii)for "£200.00" substitute "£204.00";

(e)in paragraph (2)(c)-

(i)for "£46.65" substitute "£48.05";

(ii)for "£200.00" substitute "£204.00"; and

(iii)for "£259.00" substitute "£265.00";

(f)in paragraph (2)(d)-

(i)for "£76.35" substitute "£78.65";

(ii)for "£259.00" substitute "£265.00"; and

(iii)for "£346.00" substitute "£354.00"; and

(g)in paragraph (2)(e)-

(i)for "£86.95" substitute "£89.55";

(ii)for "£346.00" substitute "£354.00"; and

(iii)for "£430.00" substitute "£439.00".

(4) In paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 (ineligible service charges), for "£27.10", "£27.10", "£13.75", "£18.05", "£18.05", "£9.10" and "£3.35" substitute "£27.90", "£27.90", "£14.15", "£18.60", "£18.60", "£9.35" and "£3.45" respectively.

(5) In paragraph 6 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 (payments in respect of fuel charges)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£28.80" substitute "£30.30";

(b)in sub-paragraph (2)(b) and (d) for "£3.35" substitute "£3.50"; and

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for "£2.30" substitute "£2.40".

(6) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 3(68) (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 4 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 3(69) (applicable amounts: family premium)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) "£22.20" remains unchanged; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) "£17.45" remains unchanged.

(8) The sums specified in Part 4 of Schedule 3 (applicable amounts: premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 5 to this Order.

(9) In paragraph 26 of Part 6 of Schedule 3(70) (amount of component) for "£36.55" substitute "£37.65".

(10) In paragraph 17(1)(71) and (3)(c) of Schedule 4 (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of earnings) "£17.10" remains unchanged.

(11) In paragraph 56 of Schedule 5 (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) "£17.10" remains unchanged.

Housing Benefit for certain persons over the qualifying age for State Pension Credit

24.-(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 6 and 7 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, any reference in this article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In regulation 30(3) (calculation of income on a weekly basis)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (a) "£175.00" remains unchanged; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (b) "£300" remains unchanged.

(3) In regulation 55(72) (non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for "£95.45" substitute "£98.30";

(b)in paragraph (1)(b) for "£14.80" substitute "£15.25";

(c)in paragraph (2)(a) for "£136.00" substitute "£139.00";

(d)in paragraph (2)(b)-

(i)for "£34.00" substitute "£35.00";

(ii)for "£136.00" substitute "£139.00"; and

(iii)for "£200.00" substitute "£204.00";

(e)in paragraph (2)(c)-

(i)for "£46.65" substitute "£48.05";

(ii)for "£200.00" substitute "£204.00"; and

(iii)for "£259.00" substitute "£265.00";

(f)in paragraph (2)(d)-

(i)for "£76.35" substitute "£78.65";

(ii)for "£259.00" substitute "£265.00"; and

(iii)for "£346.00" substitute "£354.00"; and

(g)in paragraph (2)(e)-

(i)for "£86.95" substitute "£89.55";

(ii)for "£346.00" substitute "£354.00"; and

(iii)for "£430.00" substitute "£439.00".

(4) In paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 (ineligible service charges), for "£27.10", "£27.10", "£13.75", "£18.05", "£18.05", "£9.10" and "£3.35" substitute "£27.90", "£27.90", "£14.15", "£18.60", "£18.60", "£9.35" and "£3.45" respectively.

(5) In paragraph 6 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 (payments in respect of fuel charges)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£28.80" substitute "£30.30";

(b)in sub-paragraph (2)(b) and (d) for "£3.35" substitute "£3.50"; and

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for "£2.30" substitute "£2.40".

(6) The sums specified in Part 1 of Schedule 3 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 6 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 3(1) of Part 2 of Schedule 3(73) (applicable amounts: family premium) "£17.45" remains unchanged.

(8) The sums specified in Part 4 of Schedule 3 (applicable amounts: amounts of premiums specified in Part 3) shall be as set out in Schedule 7 to this Order.

(9) In paragraph 9(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 4 (sums disregarded from claimant's earnings) "£17.10" remains unchanged.

(10) In paragraph 21 of Schedule 5(74) (amounts to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) "£17.10" remains unchanged.

PART 4JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE

Applicable amounts for Jobseeker's Allowance

25.-(1) The sums that are relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations shall be the sums set out in this article and Schedules 8 to 10 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, any reference in this article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In-

(a)regulations 83(b), 84(1)(c) and 85(1)(75); and

(b)paragraphs 15A(2)(a)(76) and 16(2)(a)(77) of Part III of Schedule 1,

the sum specified is in each case £3,000 (which remains unchanged).

(3) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 1(78) (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 8 to this Order.

(4) In paragraph 4 of Part II of Schedule 1(79) (applicable amounts: family premium)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) "£17.45" remains unchanged; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) "£17.45" remains unchanged.

(5) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 1(80) (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 9 to this Order.

(6) The sums specified in Part IVB of Schedule 1(81) (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums for joint-claim couples) shall be as set out in Schedule 10 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 10(4) of Schedule 2(82) (general provisions applying to housing costs) "£100,000" remains unchanged.

(8) In paragraph 17 of Schedule 2(83) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for "£95.45" substitute "£98.30";

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for "£14.80" substitute "£15.25";

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£136.00" substitute "£139.00";

(d)in sub-paragraph (2)(b)-

(i)for "£34.00" substitute "£35.00";

(ii)for "£136.00" substitute "£139.00"; and

(iii)for "£200.00" substitute "£204.00";

(e)in sub-paragraph (2)(c)-

(i)for "£46.65" substitute "£48.05";

(ii)for "£200.00" substitute "£204.00"; and

(iii)for "£259.00" substitute "£265.00";

(f)in sub-paragraph (2)(d)-

(i)for "£76.35" substitute "£78.65";

(ii)for "£259.00" substitute "£265.00"; and

(iii)for "£346.00" substitute "£354.00"; and

(g)in sub-paragraph (2)(e)-

(i)for "£86.95" substitute "£89.55";

(ii)for "£346.00" substitute "£354.00"; and

(iii)for "£430.00" substitute "£439.00".

PART 5STATE PENSION CREDIT

State Pension Credit

26.-(1) The amounts as specified in the State Pension Credit Regulations shall be the amounts set out in this article and any reference in this article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the State Pension Credit Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In regulation 6(84) (amount of the guarantee credit)-

(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for "£243.25" substitute "£248.80";

(b)in paragraph (1)(b) for "£159.35" substitute "£163.00";

(c)in paragraph (5)(a) for "£62.45" substitute "£64.30";

(d)in paragraph (5)(b) for "£124.90" substitute "£128.60"; and

(e)in paragraph (8) for "£34.95" substitute "£36.00".

(3) In regulation 7(2)(85) (savings credit) for "£137.35" and "£218.42" substitute "£140.67" and "£223.82" respectively.

(4) In paragraph 8(2) of Schedule II(86) (general provisions applying to housing costs) "£100,000" remains unchanged.

(5) In paragraph 14 of Schedule II(87) (persons residing with the claimant)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for "£95.45" substitute "£98.30";

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for "£14.80" substitute "£15.25";

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£136.00" substitute "£139.00";

(d)in sub-paragraph (2)(b)-

(i)for "£34.00" substitute "£35.00";

(ii)for "£136.00" substitute "£139.00"; and

(iii)for "£200.00" substitute "£204.00";

(e)in sub-paragraph (2)(c)-

(i)for "£46.65" substitute "£48.05";

(ii)for "£200.00" substitute "£204.00"; and

(iii)for "£259.00" substitute "£265.00";

(f)in sub-paragraph (2)(d)-

(i)for "£76.35" substitute "£78.65";

(ii)for "£259.00" substitute "£265.00"; and

(iii)for "£346.00" substitute "£354.00"; and

(g)in sub-paragraph (2)(e)-

(i)for "£86.95" substitute "£89.55";

(ii)for "£346.00" substitute "£354.00"; and

(iii)for "£430.00" substitute "£439.00".

(6) In paragraph 1 of Schedule III(88) (polygamous marriages)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (5), in the substituted paragraph (1) of regulation 6, for "£243.25" and "£83.90" substitute "£248.80" and "£85.80" respectively; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (7), in the substituted paragraph (2) of regulation 7, for "£218.42" substitute "£223.82".

PART 6EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE

Applicable amounts for the ESA Regulations 2008

27.-(1) The sums that are relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the ESA Regulations 2008 shall be the sums set out in this article and Schedule 11 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, any reference in this article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the ESA Regulations 2008 bearing that number.

(2) The sums specified in Part 3 of Schedule 4(89) (weekly amount of premiums specified in Part 2) shall be as set out in Schedule 11 to this Order.

(3) In Part 4 of Schedule 4(90) (the component) in paragraph 13 for "£36.55" substitute "£37.65".

(4) In paragraph 12 of Schedule 6 (general provisions applying to housing costs)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (4)(91) "£100,000" remains unchanged;

(b)in sub-paragraph (12)(b)(92) "£150,000" remains unchanged; and

(c)in sub-paragraph (12)(c) "£125,000" remains unchanged.

(5) In paragraph 19 of Schedule 6(93) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for "£95.45" substitute "£98.30";

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for "£14.80" substitute "£15.25";

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£136.00" substitute "£139.00";

(d)in sub-paragraph (2)(b)-

(i)for "£34.00" substitute "£35.00";

(ii)for "£136.00" substitute "£139.00"; and

(iii)for "£200.00" substitute "£204.00";

(e)in sub-paragraph (2)(c)-

(i)for "£46.65" substitute "£48.05";

(ii)for "£200.00" substitute "£204.00"; and

(iii)for "£259.00" substitute "£265.00";

(f)in sub-paragraph (2)(d)-

(i)for "£76.35" substitute "£78.65";

(ii)for "£259.00" substitute "£265.00"; and

(iii)for "£346.00" substitute "£354.00"; and

(g)in sub-paragraph (2)(e)-

(i)for "£86.95" substitute "£89.55";

(ii)for "£346.00" substitute "£354.00"; and

(iii)for "£430.00" substitute "£439.00".

Prescribed amount for the ESA Regulations 2013

28.-(1) In regulation 62(2) of the ESA Regulations 2013 (prescribed amounts) for "£36.20" substitute "£37.65".

(2) In regulation 62(2)(b) of the ESA Regulations 2013 (prescribed amounts), as it has effect in cases falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations 2017(94), for "£36.55" substitute "£37.65".

PART 7UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Universal Credit

29.-(1) 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 36 of the Universal Credit Regulations(95) (table showing amounts of elements) shall be as set out in Schedule 12 to this Order.

(2) In paragraph 14(1) of Schedule 4 to the Universal Credit Regulations(96) (amount of housing cost contributions) for "£70.06" substitute "£72.16".

(3) In Part 4 of Schedule 5 to the Universal Credit Regulations (calculation of amount of housing costs element for owner-occupiers)-

(a)in paragraph 10(2) Step 3; and

(b)in paragraph 11(2) Step 2,

"£200,000" remains unchanged.

PART 8REVOCATION

Revocation

30.  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2017(97) is revoked save for article 29(a).

Article 3(1)

SCHEDULE 1PROVISIONS OF SCHEDULE 4 TO THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND BENEFITS ACT AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART I(98)CONTRIBUTORY PERIODICAL BENEFITS

PART IIINON-CONTRIBUTORY PERIODICAL BENEFITS

PART IVINCREASES FOR DEPENDANTS

PART VRATES OF INDUSTRIAL INJURIES BENEFIT

Article 21(3)

SCHEDULE 2PARAGRAPH 2 OF PART I OF SCHEDULE 2 TO THE INCOME SUPPORT REGULATIONS

PART IPERSONAL ALLOWANCES

2.-(1) FootnoteRef Ref="f00108"/> The weekly amounts specified in column (2) below in respect of each person specified in column (1) shall, for the relevant period specified in column (1), be the weekly amounts specified for the purposes of regulations 17(1)(b) and 18(1)(c).

Article 21(5)

SCHEDULE 3PART IV OF SCHEDULE 2 TO THE INCOME SUPPORT REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART IVWEEKLY AMOUNTS OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART III

Article 23(6)

SCHEDULE 4PARAGRAPH 2 OF PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 3 TO THE HOUSING BENEFIT REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART 1Personal Allowances

2.-(1) (113) The amounts specified in column (2) below in respect of each person specified in column (1) shall, for the relevant period specified in column (1), be the amounts specified for the purposes of regulations 22(b) and 23(c)-

Article 23(8)

SCHEDULE 5PART 4 OF SCHEDULE 3 TO THE HOUSING BENEFIT REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART 4Amounts of premiums specified in Part 3

Article 24(6)

SCHEDULE 6PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 3 TO THE HOUSING BENEFIT (SPC) REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART 1Personal Allowances

1.  (115) The amount specified in column (2) below in respect of each person or couple specified in column (1) shall be the amount specified for the purposes of regulation 22-

2.-(1) The amounts specified in column (2) below in respect of each person specified in column (1) shall, for the relevant period specified in column (1), be the amounts specified for the purposes of regulation 22-

Article 24(8)

SCHEDULE 7PART 4 OF SCHEDULE 3 TO THE HOUSING BENEFIT (SPC) REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART 4Amounts of premiums specified in Part 3

Article 25(3)

SCHEDULE 8PARAGRAPH 2 OF PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE REGULATIONS

PART 1Personal Allowances

2.-(1) (117) The weekly amounts specified in column (2) below in respect of each person specified in column (1) shall, for the relevant period specified in column (1), be the weekly amounts specified for the purposes of regulations 83(b) and 84(1)(c).

Article 25(5)

SCHEDULE 9PART IV OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART IVWeekly amounts of premiums specified in Part III

Article 25(6)

SCHEDULE 10PART IVB OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE REGULATIONS(121) AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART IVBWeekly amounts of premiums specified in Part IVA

Article 27(2)

SCHEDULE 11PART 3 OF SCHEDULE 4 TO THE ESA REGULATIONS 2008 AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART 3Weekly amount of premiums specified in Part 2

Article 29(1)

SCHEDULE 12AMOUNTS OF CERTAIN ELEMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE TABLE IN REGULATION 36 OF THE UNIVERSAL CREDIT REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order is made as a consequence of a review under sections 150 and 151A of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c. 5) ("the Administration Act") and includes details of the sums mentioned in those sections. The Order does not deal with the benefits which were frozen by the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 (c. 7).

The Order is also made as a consequence of a review under section 150A of the Administration Act and includes details of the sums mentioned in that section.

Part 2 of the Order relates to social security benefits, pensions and allowances.

Article 3 and Schedule 1 increase the benefits and increases of benefits (excepting those referred to in article 3(2)) specified in Parts I, III, IV and V of Schedule 4 to the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (c. 4) ("the Contributions and Benefits Act").

Article 4 increases the rates and amounts of certain pensions and allowances under the Contributions and Benefits Act.

Article 5 increases the sums payable as part of a Category A or Category B retirement pension by virtue of sections 15(1) and 17(2) and (3) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (c. 48) on account of increases in guaranteed minimum pensions.

Article 6 increases the rates and amounts relating to the state pension under Part 1 of the Pensions Act 2014 (c. 19) including the full rate, amounts exceeding the full rate, the rate of increments and inherited increments.

Article 7 specifies the dates from which the sums specified for rates or amounts of benefits in articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14 are altered.

Article 8 specifies earnings limits for child dependency increases.

Article 9 increases the weekly rate of statutory sick pay.

Article 10 increases the weekly rate of statutory maternity pay.

Article 11 increases the weekly rates of statutory paternity pay, statutory adoption pay and statutory shared parental pay.

Article 12 increases the rate of graduated retirement benefit.

Article 13 increases the amount of a Category C retirement pension.

Article 14 increases the prescribed maximum additional pension for the purposes of section 52(3) of the Contributions and Benefits Act.

Article 15 increases the rate of disability living allowance.

Article 16 increases the rate of personal independence payment.

Article 17 increases the weekly rates of age addition, and the rates referred to in article 17(2) for claimants entitled to long-term incapacity benefit who were subject to regulation 2(3) of the Employment and Support Allowance (Up-rating Modification) (Transitional) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/3270).

Article 18 increases the weekly rates of transitional invalidity allowance, and the rates referred to in article 18(2) for claimants entitled to long-term incapacity benefit who were subject to regulation 2(3) of the Employment and Support Allowance (Up-rating Modification) (Transitional) Regulations 2008.

Article 19 increases the rates of widowed mother's allowance, widow's pension and widowed parent's allowance.

Article 20 specifies the rates of bereavement support payment.

Part 3 of the Order relates to income support and housing benefit.

Article 21 states the amount of sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of income support. Article 21(3) and Schedule 2 set out certain personal allowances and article 21(4) and (5) and Schedule 3 set out the premiums.

Article 22 provides for the percentage increase of sums payable by way of special transitional additions to income support.

Article 23 states the amount of the sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of housing benefit and the appropriate maximum housing benefit. Article 23(6) and Schedule 4 set out certain personal allowances and article 23(8) and Schedule 5 set out the premiums.

Article 24 states the amount of the sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of housing benefit for certain persons over the qualifying age for state pension credit. Article 24(6) and Schedule 6 set out the personal allowances and article 24(7) and (8) and Schedule 7 set out the premiums.

Part 4 of the Order relates to jobseeker's allowance.

Article 25 states the amount of sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of income-based jobseeker's allowance. Article 25(3) and Schedule 8 set out certain personal allowances, article 25(4) and (5) and Schedule 9 set out the premiums and article 25(6) and Schedule 10 set out the premiums for joint-claim couples.

Part 5 of the Order relates to state pension credit.

Article 26 specifies the amounts relevant to state pension credit.

Part 6 of the Order relates to employment and support allowance.

Article 27 states the amount of sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of employment and support allowance under the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/794). Article 27(2) and Schedule 11 set out the premiums and article 27(3) increases the support component.

Article 28 increases the support component for employment and support allowance under the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/379).

Part 7 of the Order relates to universal credit.

Article 29 and Schedule 12 specify the amounts relevant to universal credit.

Article 30 provides for the revocation of the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/260) save for article 29(a) which, in turn provides for the revocation of the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/457) save for articles 16, 17(10)(a) and 20. Articles 16 and 20 of that S.I. respectively state the sum by which any income support or jobseeker's allowance of a person involved in a trade dispute is reduced and article17(10)(a) states the amount of the work-related activity component of housing benefit. That amount remains frozen under section 11 of, and paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to, the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016.

In accordance with sections 150(8), 150A(5) and (9) and 151A(6) and (7) of the Administration Act, a copy of the report of the Government Actuary giving his opinion on the likely effect on the National Insurance Fund of the making of this Order was laid before Parliament with the draft Order.

An Impact Assessment has not been published for this instrument as it has no new impact on business or civil society organisations.