Benefits and Welfare Legislation
Legislative framework for social security, welfare benefits, universal credit, pension schemes, and support systems for vulnerable populations.
The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (England) and Persons Subject to Immigration Control (Housing Authority Accommodation and Homelessness) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend existing UK legislation to ensure that British nationals returning from government-advised evacuations are eligible for housing and homelessness assistance in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The amendments waive the habitual residence test for a six-month period following evacuation, allowing immediate access to housing for those who meet specific criteria defined by the regulations.
These criteria include possessing leave to enter or remain in the UK, not being subject to a 'no recourse to public funds' condition, and not being sponsored under certain visa schemes
The Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 6) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the 2001 Social Security (Contributions) Regulations to exclude compensation payments made under the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme from National Insurance Contribution calculations.
This applies to individuals whose Horizon System-related convictions have been quashed, those cautioned, or those who received alternatives to prosecution in Scotland, even if the alternative to prosecution was purported rather than formal.
The amendment ensures that such compensation payments do not impact the individuals' National Insurance liability.
The Combined Authorities (Adult Education Functions) (Amendment) Order 2025
This order amends existing orders governing nine Combined Authorities in England, granting them powers under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 to provide financial resources for approved technical education qualifications and steps towards occupational competence.
These powers are not applicable to apprenticeships or individuals under 19 or under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
The order received approval from each House of Parliament and involved prior public consultation.
The Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (Amendment) and Grenfell Support (Restorative Justice) Programme (Income Tax Exemption) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme to expand its eligibility criteria for compensation, encompassing convictions quashed by courts or legislation, cautions, and alternative-to-prosecution outcomes related to the Horizon system.
The amendments also provide income tax exemptions for payments made under the Grenfell Support (Restorative Justice) programme to victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. Both changes have retrospective application.
The Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) (Threshold Amount) (Amendment) Order 2025
This order amends the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, increasing the money laundering threshold from £1,000 to £3,000 for transactions under section 339A(2) and (6A).
This affects banks and firms handling accounts, and businesses in the regulated sector returning property to customers.
The increase aims to reduce administrative burdens on businesses while preserving the focus on significant money laundering activities.
The amendment followed parliamentary review and approval.
The Childcare Payments (Eligibility) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2025
The Childcare Payments (Eligibility) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2025 amend the 2015 regulations to synchronize the application window for childcare top-up payments with the Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme.
These changes modify eligibility requirements regarding qualifying paid work, specifically adjusting the timeframe for declaring eligibility and defining the 'applicable period.' Transitional provisions are included to manage the shift between the old and new systems for applications between October 16, 2025, and January 31, 2026.
The Disability Premium Compensation Scheme (Income Tax Exemption) Regulations 2025
These regulations exempt from income tax payments made under the Department for Work and Pensions' disability premium compensation scheme and its Northern Ireland equivalent.
The exemption retroactively covers payments received on or after December 18, 2024.
This action addresses a court ruling that highlighted unfair treatment of certain universal credit claimants who lost disability premiums when transitioning from legacy benefits.
The Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) (Amendment) Order 2025
This Order amends the 2012 Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) Order to update definitions, reflecting the UK's departure from the European Union.
It also modifies delivery and collection service requirements, specifying separate standards for priority and standard letters, while outlining revised routing time calculations.
These changes aim to improve service standards and are made after a user needs review and a public consultation process.