PART 1INTRODUCTION

Citation, commencement and effect

1.-(1) This Order may be cited as the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2015.

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

(a)this article and articles 2 and 6, on 1st April 2015;

(b)article 3-

(i)in so far as it relates to any increase to which article 6(9)(b) applies, on 1st April 2015, and

(ii)for all other purposes, on 6th April 2015;

(c)articles 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 13, on 6th April 2015;

(d)article 7, 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 2015, 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 11 and 12, on 9th April 2015;

(f)articles 14 to 16, 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 6th April 2015, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph "benefit week" has the same meaning as in the Income Support Regulations;

(g)articles 17 and 18, in relation to a case where rent is payable at intervals of a week or any multiple thereof, on 6th April 2015, and in relation to any other case, on 1st April 2015;

(h)articles 19 and 20, 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 6th April 2015, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph "benefit week" has the same meaning as in the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations;

(i)article 21, 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 6th April 2015, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph "benefit week" has the same meaning as in the State Pension Credit Regulations;

(j)article 22, 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 6th April 2015, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph "benefit week" has the same meaning as in the ESA Regulations 2008;

(k)article 23, 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 6th April 2015, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph "benefit week" has the same meaning as in the ESA Regulations 2013;

(l)article 24, 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 6th April 2015(7), 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(8); and

(m)article 25, on 5th May 2015.

(3) In so far as articles 3, 4, 8, 13 and 23 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 24 comes into force for that beneficiary.

(4) The changes made in the sums specified for rates or amounts of benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act or the Pension Schemes Act shall take effect for each case on the date specified in relation to that case in article 6.

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(9);

"the Contributions and Benefits Act" means the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992(10);

"the ESA Regulations 2008" means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008(11);

"the ESA Regulations 2013" means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013(12);

"the Housing Benefit Regulations" means the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006(13);

"the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations" means the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for State Pension Credit) Regulations 2006(14);

"the Income Support Regulations" means the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987(15);

"the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations" means the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations 1996(16);

"the Pension Schemes Act" means the Pension Schemes Act 1993(17);

"the State Pension Credit Regulations" means the State Pension Credit Regulations 2002(18);

"the Universal Credit Regulations" means the Universal Credit Regulations 2013(19); and

"the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act" means the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act 2013(20).

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 6, 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, widow's pension (initial rate) and death benefit allowance in respect of children and qualifying young persons(21).

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 6.

(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 1.2 per cent.

(3) In section 44(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(22) (basic pension in a Category A retirement pension)-

(a)for "£99.90" substitute "£101.10"; and

(b)for "£113.10" substitute "£115.95".

(4) It is directed(23) 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 2014-2015;

(b)increases in the rates of retirement pensions under Schedule 5 to the Contributions and Benefits Act(24) (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(25) 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(26), section 63 of the Social Security Act 1986(27) or section 150(1)(e) of the Administration Act,

shall in each case be increased by 1.2 per cent.

(5) The sums which, under-

(a)section 55A of the Contributions and Benefits Act(28), are shared additional pensions; and

(b)paragraph 2 of Schedule 5A to the Contributions and Benefits Act(29), are increases in the rates of such pensions,

shall in each case be increased by 1.2 per cent.

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

5.-(1) It is directed(30) that the sums specified in paragraph (2) shall be increased from and including the respective dates specified in article 6.

(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)(31) and (3) of that Act) shall be increased by 1.2 per cent. where the increase under section 15(1) is attributable to earnings factors for the tax year 1987-88 and earlier tax years(32).

Dates on which sums specified for rates or amounts of benefits under the Contributions and Benefits Act or the Pension Schemes Act are changed by this Order

6.-(1) Paragraphs (2) to (8), which are subject to the provisions of paragraph (9), specify the date on which the changes made by this Order in the sums specified for rates or amounts of benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act or the Pension Schemes Act shall take effect for each case.

(2) Any increases in the sums mentioned in articles 3, 4 and 8 for Category A and Category B retirement pension and graduated retirement benefit together with, where appropriate, any increases for dependants, shall take effect on 6th April 2015.

(3) The increases in the sums mentioned in article 5(2) shall take effect on 6th April 2015.

(4) Any increases in the sums specified for-

(a)the rate of-

(i)Category C and Category D retirement pension,

(ii)attendance allowance, and

(iii)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)Category C retirement pension and carer's allowance referred to in sub-paragraph (a)(i) and (iii), and

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

in respect of dependants,

shall in all cases take effect on 6th April 2015.

(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 heads (i), (iii) and (iv) of sub-paragraph (a) in respect of dependants, and

(ii)disablement pension,

shall in all cases take effect on 8th April 2015.

(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(33) by reference to the weekly rate of invalidity allowance or age addition to long-term incapacity benefit to which he was previously entitled, any increase in such sum shall take effect on 6th April 2015.

(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 in all cases on 9th April 2015.

(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 8th April 2015.

(9) Any increases in the sums specified in article 3 of this Order, and article 8(b) of the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Order 2015(34), 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(35), 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 6th April 2015;

(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 2015,

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

Earnings Limits

7.  In section 80(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(36) (earnings limits in respect of child dependency increases)-

(a)for "£225.00", in both places where it occurs, substitute "£230.00"; and

(b)"£30.00" remains unchanged.

Increase in rate of graduated retirement benefit

8.-(1) In section 36(1) of the National Insurance Act 1965(37) (graduated retirement benefit)-

(a)the sum of 13.14 pence shall be increased by 1.2 per cent.; and

(b)from and including 6th April 2015 the reference in that provision to that sum shall have effect as a reference to 13.30 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(38) (increases for deferred retirement) shall be increased by 1.2 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(39) (increases of graduated retirement benefit and lump sums) shall be increased by 1.2 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 1.2 per cent.

Increase in rates of Disability Living Allowance

9.  In regulation 4 of the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations 1991(40) (rate of benefit)-

(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for "£81.30" substitute "£82.30";

(b)in paragraph (1)(b) for "£54.45" substitute "£55.10";

(c)in paragraph (1)(c) for "£21.55" substitute "£21.80";

(d)in paragraph (2)(a) for "£56.75" substitute "£57.45"; and

(e)in paragraph (2)(b) for "£21.55" substitute "£21.80".

Increase in rates of Personal Independence Payment

10.  In regulation 24 of the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013(41) (rate of personal independence payment)-

(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for "£54.45" substitute "£55.10";

(b)in paragraph (1)(b) for "£81.30" substitute "£82.30";

(c)in paragraph (2)(a) for "£21.55" substitute "£21.80"; and

(d)in paragraph (2)(b) for "£56.75" substitute "£57.45".

Rates of age addition

11.-(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 10(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations 1994(42) (increase in rate of incapacity benefit where beneficiary is under prescribed age on the qualifying date)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (a) for "£21.25" substitute "£21.50"; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (b) for "£10.65" substitute "£10.80".

(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit the sums specified in regulation 10(2)(a) and (b) shall be increased to "£11.15" and "£6.20" respectively.

Rates of transitional invalidity allowance

12.-(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 18(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) (Transitional) Regulations 1995(43) (rate of long-term incapacity benefit in transitional cases)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (a) for "£21.25" substitute "£21.50";

(b)in sub-paragraph (b) for "£13.70" substitute "£13.90"; and

(c)in sub-paragraph (c) for "£6.85" substitute "£6.95".

(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit the sums specified in regulation 18(2)(a), (b) and (c) shall be increased to "£11.15", "£6.20" and "£6.20" respectively.

Rates of bereavement benefits

13.  In the Rate of Bereavement Benefits Regulations 2010(44)-

(a)in regulation 2 (rate of widowed mother's allowance and widow's pension) for "£111.20" substitute "£112.55"; and

(b)in regulation 3 (rate of widowed parent's allowance and bereavement allowance) for "£111.20" substitute "£112.55".

PART 3INCOME SUPPORT AND HOUSING BENEFIT

Applicable amounts for Income Support

14.-(1) The sums that are relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Income Support Regulations, being sums to which the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act does not apply, shall be the sums set out in this article and Schedules 2 to 4 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)(45), 18(1)(c) and 21(1)(46); and

(b)paragraphs 13A(2)(a)(47) and 14(2)(a)(48) of Part III of Schedule 2,

the sum specified is in each case £3,000.

(3) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 2(49) (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(50) (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(51) (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 3 to this Order.

(6) In paragraph 18 of Schedule 3(52) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for "£91.15" substitute "£93.80";

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for "£14.15" substitute "£14.55";

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£128.00" substitute "£129.00";

(d)in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for "£128.00", "£188.00" and "£32.45" substitute "£129.00", "£189.00" and "£33.40" respectively;

(e)in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for "£188.00", "£245.00" and "£44.55" substitute "£189.00", "£246.00" and "£45.85" respectively;

(f)in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for "£245.00", "£326.00" and "£72.95" substitute "£246.00", "£328.00" and "£75.05" respectively; and

(g)in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for "£326.00", "£406.00" and "£83.05" substitute "£328.00", "£408.00" and "£85.45" respectively.

(7) The sums specified in any provision of the Income Support Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 4 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Income Support Transitional Protection

15.  It is directed(53) that the sums which are special transitional additions to income support payable in accordance with regulation 15 of the Income Support (Transitional) Regulations 1987(54) (special transitional addition) shall be increased by 1.2 per cent.

The relevant sum for Income Support

16.  In section 126(7) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(55) (trade disputes: the relevant sum) for "£40.00" substitute "£40.50".

Housing Benefit

17.-(1) The sums that are relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Housing Benefit Regulations, being sums to which the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act does not apply, shall be the sums set out in this article and Schedules 5 and 6 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 B13(3)(56) (determination of a maximum rent (social sector))-

(a)in sub-paragraph (a) "14%" remains unchanged; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (b) "25%" remains unchanged.

(3) 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) "£300.00" remains unchanged.

(4) In regulation 74(57) (non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for "£91.15" substitute "£93.80";

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for "£14.15" substitute "£14.55";

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£128.00" substitute "£129.00";

(d)in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for "£128.00", "£188.00" and "£32.45" substitute "£129.00", "£189.00" and "£33.40" respectively;

(e)in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for "£188.00", "£245.00" and "£44.55" substitute "£189.00", "£246.00" and "£45.85" respectively;

(f)in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for "£245.00", "£326.00" and "£72.95" substitute "£246.00", "£328.00" and "£75.05" respectively;

(g)in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for "£326.00", "£406.00" and "£83.05" substitute "£328.00", "£408.00" and "£85.45" respectively.

(5) In paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 (ineligible service charges), for "£26.55", "£26.55", "£13.45", "£17.65", "£17.65", "£8.90" and "£3.25" substitute "£26.85", "£26.85", "£13.60", "£17.85", "£17.85", "£9.00" and "£3.30" respectively.

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

(a)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£27.55" substitute "£28.80";

(b)in sub-paragraph (2)(b) and (d) for "£3.20" substitute "£3.35"; and

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for "£2.20" substitute "£2.30".

(7) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 3(58) (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 5 to this Order.

(8) In paragraph 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 3 (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.

(9) The sums specified in Part 4 of Schedule 3 (applicable amounts: premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 6 to this Order.

(10) In Part 6 of Schedule 3(59) (amount of components)-

(a)in paragraph 25 for "£28.75" substitute "£29.05"; and

(b)in paragraph 26 for "£35.75" substitute "£36.20".

(11) In paragraph 17(1)(60) and (3)(c) of Schedule 4 (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of earnings) "£17.10" remains unchanged.

(12) 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

18.-(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 7 and 8 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) "£300.00" remains unchanged.

(3) In regulation 55(61) (non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for "£91.15" substitute "£93.80";

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for "£14.15" substitute "£14.55";

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£128.00" substitute "£129.00";

(d)in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for "£128.00", "£188.00" and "£32.45" substitute "£129.00", "£189.00" and "£33.40" respectively;

(e)in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for "£188.00", "£245.00" and "£44.55" substitute "£189.00", "£246.00" and "£45.85" respectively;

(f)in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for "£245.00", "£326.00" and "£72.95" substitute "£246.00", "£328.00" and "£75.05" respectively;

(g)in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for "£326.00", "£406.00" and "£83.05" substitute "£328.00", "£408.00" and "£85.45" respectively.

(4) In paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 (ineligible service charges), for "£26.55", "£26.55", "£13.45", "£17.65", "£17.65", "£8.90" and "£3.25" substitute "£26.85", "£26.85", "£13.60", "£17.85", "£17.85", "£9.00" and "£3.30" respectively.

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

(a)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£27.55" substitute "£28.80";

(b)in sub-paragraph (2)(b) and (d) for "£3.20" substitute "£3.35"; and

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for "£2.20" substitute "£2.30".

(6) The sums specified in Part 1 of Schedule 3 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 7 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 3(1) of Part 2 of Schedule 3 (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 8 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(62) (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

19.-(1) The sums that are relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations, being sums to which the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act does not apply, shall be the sums set out in this article and Schedules 9 to 12 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)(63); and

(b)paragraphs 15A(2)(a)(64) and 16(2)(a)(65) of Part III of Schedule 1,

the sum specified is in each case £3,000.

(3) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 1(66) (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 9 to this Order.

(4) In paragraph 4 of Part II of Schedule 1(67) (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(68) (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 10 to this Order.

(6) The sums specified in Part IVB of Schedule 1(69) (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums for joint-claim couples) shall be as set out in Schedule 11 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 17 of Schedule 2(70) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for "£91.15" substitute "£93.80";

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for "£14.15" substitute "£14.55";

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£128.00" substitute "£129.00";

(d)in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for "£128.00", "£188.00" and "£32.45" substitute "£129.00", "£189.00" and "£33.40" respectively;

(e)in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for "£188.00", "£245.00" and "£44.55" substitute "£189.00", "£246.00" and "£45.85" respectively;

(f)in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for "£245.00", "£326.00" and "£72.95" substitute "£246.00", "£328.00" and "£75.05" respectively; and

(g)in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for "£326.00", "£406.00" and "£83.05" substitute "£328.00", "£408.00" and "£85.45" respectively.

(8) The sums specified in any provision of the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 12 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

The prescribed sum for Jobseeker's Allowance

20.  In regulation 172 of the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations(71) (trade disputes: prescribed sum) for "£40.00" substitute "£40.50".

PART 5STATE PENSION CREDIT

State Pension Credit

21.-(1) The amounts as specified in the State Pension Credit Regulations shall be the amounts set out in this article and Schedule 13 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, 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(72) (amount of the guarantee credit)-

(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for "£226.50" substitute "£230.85";

(b)in paragraph (1)(b) for "£148.35" substitute "£151.20";

(c)in paragraph (5)(a) for "£61.10" substitute "£61.85";

(d)in paragraph (5)(b) for "£122.20" substitute "£123.70"; and

(e)in paragraph (8) for "£34.20" substitute "£34.60".

(3) In regulation 7(73) (savings credit)-

(a)in paragraph (1) "60 per cent.", "60 per cent." and "40 per cent." in sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) respectively remain unchanged; and

(b)in paragraph (2) for "£120.35" and "£192.00" substitute "£126.50" and "£201.80" respectively.

(4) In paragraph 14 of Schedule II(74) (persons residing with the claimant)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for "£91.15" substitute "£93.80";

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for "£14.15" substitute "£14.55";

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£128.00" substitute "£129.00";

(d)in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for "£128.00", "£188.00" and "£32.45" substitute "£129.00", "£189.00" and "£33.40" respectively;

(e)in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for "£188.00", "£245.00" and "£44.55" substitute "£189.00", "£246.00" and "£45.85" respectively;

(f)in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for "£245.00", "£326.00" and "£72.95" substitute "£246.00", "£328.00" and "£75.05" respectively; and

(g)in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for "£326.00", "£406.00" and "£83.05" substitute "£328.00", "£408.00" and "£85.45" respectively.

(5) In paragraph 1 of Schedule III(75) (polygamous marriages)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (5) for "£226.50" and "£78.15" substitute "£230.85" and "£79.65" respectively; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (7) for "£192.00" substitute "£201.80".

(6) The amounts specified in any provision of the State Pension Credit Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 13 to this Order are the amounts set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

PART 6EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE

Applicable amounts for the ESA Regulations 2008

22.-(1) The sums that are relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the ESA Regulations 2008, being sums to which the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act does not apply, shall be the sums set out in this article and Schedules 14 and 15 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(76) (weekly amount of premiums specified in Part 2) shall be as set out in Schedule 14 to this Order.

(3) In Part 4 of Schedule 4(77) (the components) in paragraph 13 for "£35.75" substitute "£36.20".

(4) In paragraph 19 of Schedule 6(78) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for "£91.15" substitute "£93.80";

(b)in sub-paragraph (1)(b) for "£14.15" substitute "£14.55";

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for "£128.00" substitute "£129.00";

(d)in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for "£128.00", "£188.00" and "£32.45" substitute "£129.00", "£189.00" and "£33.40" respectively;

(e)in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for "£188.00", "£245.00" and "£44.55" substitute "£189.00", "£246.00" and "£45.85" respectively;

(f)in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for "£245.00", "£326.00" and "£72.95" substitute "£246.00", "£328.00" and "£75.05" respectively; and

(g)in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for "£326.00", "£406.00" and "£83.05" substitute "£328.00", "£408.00" and "£85.45" respectively.

(5) The sums specified in any provision of the ESA Regulations 2008 set out in column (1) of Schedule 15 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Prescribed amount for the ESA Regulations 2013

23.  In regulation 62(2)(b) of the ESA Regulations 2013(79) (prescribed amounts) for "£35.75" substitute "£36.20".

PART 7UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Universal Credit

24.-(1) In regulation 34(1)(a) of the Universal Credit Regulations (amount of childcare costs element) "70%" remains unchanged.

(2) 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(80) (table showing amounts of elements) shall be as set out in Schedule 16 to this Order.

(3) In paragraph 14 of Schedule 4 to the Universal Credit Regulations(81) (amount of housing cost contributions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1) for "£68.68" substitute "£69.37"; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (3)(a) "nil" remains unchanged.

(4) The amounts specified in any provision of the Universal Credit Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 17 to this Order are the amounts set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

PART 8REVOCATION

Revocation

25.  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2014(82) is revoked.

Article 3(1)

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

PART I(83)CONTRIBUTORY PERIODICAL BENEFITS

PART IIBEREAVEMENT PAYMENT

PART IIINON-CONTRIBUTORY PERIODICAL BENEFITS

PART IVINCREASES FOR DEPENDANTS

PART VRATES OF INDUSTRIAL INJURIES BENEFIT

Article 14(3)

SCHEDULE 2PARAGRAPH 2 OF PART I OF SCHEDULE 2 TO THE INCOME SUPPORT REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART IPERSONAL ALLOWANCES

2.-(1)(93) 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 14(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 14(7)

SCHEDULE 4APPLICABLE AMOUNTS SPECIFIED IN THE INCOME SUPPORT REGULATIONS

(1) Provision in Income Support Regulations	(2) Specified Sum
Regulation 22A(1)(99)	Applicable amount to be reduced by a sum equivalent to 20 per cent. of the specified amount.
Schedule 3(100), paragraph 5(3)	The relevant fraction shall be obtained in accordance with the formula-
Schedule 3, paragraph 6(1)(b)(101)	Half the amount which would fall to be met by applying the provisions of sub-paragraph (a).
Schedule 3, paragraph 6(1)(c)	Nil.
Schedule 3, paragraph 7(8)	100 per cent. of eligible interest.
Schedule 3, paragraph 8(1)(b)	Nil.
Schedule 3, paragraph 10(102)	The weekly amount of housing costs is the amount calculated by applying the formula-
Schedule 3, paragraph 11(5)(103)	£100,000.
Schedule 3, paragraph 11(7)(a)	A sum determined by applying the formula- P x Q.
Schedule 3, paragraph 11(11)(104)	The qualifying portion of a loan shall be determined by applying the formula- formula-formula-
Schedule 3, paragraph 12(2)(105)	The standard rate is to be the average mortgage rate published by the Bank of England in August 2010. It is to be varied each time that sub-paragraph (2B) applies such that the average mortgage rate published on the reference day then becomes the new standard rate in accordance with sub-paragraph (2D).
Schedule 7, paragraph 2A(106)	Nil.
Schedule 7, paragraph 7	Nil.
Schedule 7, paragraph 8(a)	Nil.
Schedule 7, paragraph 17(107)	Nil.

Article 17(7)

SCHEDULE 5PARAGRAPH 2 OF PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 3 TO THE HOUSING BENEFIT REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART 1Personal Allowances

2.-(1)(108) 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 17(9)

SCHEDULE 6PART 4 OF SCHEDULE 3 TO THE HOUSING BENEFIT REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART 4Amounts of premiums specified in Part 3

Article 18(6)

SCHEDULE 7PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 3 TO THE HOUSING BENEFIT (SPC) REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART 1Personal Allowances

1.  (109)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) (110) 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 18(8)

SCHEDULE 8PART 4 OF SCHEDULE 3 TO THE HOUSING BENEFIT (SPC) REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART 4Amounts of premiums specified in Part 3

Article 19(3)

SCHEDULE 9PARAGRAPH 2 OF PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART 1Personal Allowances

2.-(1)(111) 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 19(5)

SCHEDULE 10PART 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 19(6)

SCHEDULE 11PART IVB OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE REGULATIONS(115) AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART IVBWeekly amounts of premiums specified in Part IVA

Article 19(8)

SCHEDULE 12APPLICABLE AMOUNTS SPECIFIED IN THE JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE REGULATIONS

(1) Provision in Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations	(2) Specified Sum
Regulation 145(1)(120)	Weekly applicable amount to be reduced by a sum equivalent to 40 per cent. or, as the case may be, 20 per cent. of the specified amount.
Regulation 146G(1)(121)	Weekly applicable amount to be reduced by a sum equivalent to 40 per cent. or, as the case may be, 20 per cent. of the specified amount.
Schedule 2, paragraph 5(3)	The relevant fraction shall be obtained in accordance with the formula-
Schedule 2, paragraph 6(1)(b)	Half the amount which would fall to be met by applying the provisions of sub-paragraph (a).
Schedule 2, paragraph 6(1)(c)	Nil.
Schedule 2, paragraph 7(1)(b)	Nil.
Schedule 2, paragraph 9(122)	The weekly amount of housing costs is the amount calculated by applying the formula-
Schedule 2, paragraph 10(4)(123)	£100,000.
Schedule 2, paragraph 10(6)(a)	The appropriate amount shall be a sum determined by applying the formula-
Schedule 2, paragraph 10(10)	The qualifying portion of a loan shall be determined by applying the formula-
Schedule 2, paragraph 11(2)(124)	The standard rate is to be the average mortgage rate published by the Bank of England in August 2010. It is to be varied each time that sub-paragraph (2B) applies such that the average mortgage rate published on the reference day then becomes the new standard rate in accordance with sub-paragraph (2D).
Schedule 5, paragraph 4	Nil.
Schedule 5, paragraph 14(125)	Nil.
Schedule 5A, paragraph 3(126)	Nil.

Article 21(6)

SCHEDULE 13OTHER AMOUNTS SPECIFIED IN THE STATE PENSION CREDIT REGULATIONS

(1) Provision in State Pension Credit Regulations	(2) Specified Amount
Regulation 6(3)(a)	Nil.
Regulation 6(3)(b)	Nil.
Regulation 7(3)	Nil.
Schedule II, paragraph 6(3)	The relevant fraction shall be obtained in accordance with the formula-
Schedule II, paragraph 7(1)	The weekly amount of housing costs shall be calculated by applying the formula-
Schedule II, paragraph 8(2)(127)	£100,000.
Schedule II, paragraph 8(4)(a)	The sum shall be determined by applying the formula-
Schedule II, paragraph 8(8)(128)	The qualifying portion of a loan shall be determined by applying the formula-
Schedule II, paragraph 9(2)(129)	The standard rate is to be the average mortgage rate published by the Bank of England in August 2010. It is to be varied each time that sub-paragraph (2B) applies such that the average mortgage rate published on the reference day then becomes the new standard rate in accordance with sub-paragraph (2D).
Schedule III, paragraph 2(2)(b)(130)	Nil.

Article 22(2)

SCHEDULE 14PART 3 OF SCHEDULE 4 TO THE ESA REGULATIONS 2008 AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

PART 3Weekly amount of premiums specified in Part 2

Article 22(5)

SCHEDULE 15APPLICABLE AMOUNTS SPECIFIED IN THE ESA REGULATIONS 2008

(1) Provision in ESA Regulations 2008	(2) Specified Sum
Schedule 6, paragraph 7(3)	The relevant fraction shall be obtained in accordance with the formula-
Schedule 6, paragraph 8(1)(c)	Nil.
Schedule 6, paragraph 9(1)(b)	Nil.
Schedule 6, paragraph 11	The weekly amount of housing costs is the amount calculated by applying the formula-
Schedule 6, paragraph 12(4)(133)	£100,000.
Schedule 6, paragraph 12(6)(a)	The appropriate amount shall be a sum determined by applying the formula-
Schedule 6, paragraph 12(10)	The qualifying portion of a loan shall be determined by applying the formula-
Schedule 6, paragraph 12(12)(b)	£150,000
Schedule 6, paragraph 12(12)(c)	£125,000
Schedule 6, paragraph 13(2)(134)	The standard rate is to be the average mortgage rate published by the Bank of England in August 2010. It is to be varied each time that sub-paragraph (2B) applies such that the average mortgage rate published on the reference day then becomes the new standard rate in accordance with sub-paragraph (2D).

Article 24(2)

SCHEDULE 16AMOUNTS OF CERTAIN ELEMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE TABLE IN REGULATION 36 OF THE UNIVERSAL CREDIT REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THIS ORDER

Article 24(4)

SCHEDULE 17OTHER AMOUNTS SPECIFIED IN THE UNIVERSAL CREDIT REGULATIONS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order is made as a consequence of a review under section 150 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 ("the Administration Act") and includes details of the sums mentioned in that section.

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 ("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 ("the Pension Schemes Act") on account of increases in guaranteed minimum pensions.

Article 6 specifies the dates from which the sums specified for rates or amounts of benefits under the Contributions and Benefits Act or the Pension Schemes Act are altered.

Article 7 specifies earnings limits for child dependency increases.

Article 8 increases the rate of graduated retirement benefit.

Article 9 increases the rate of disability living allowance.

Article 10 increases the rate of personal independence payment.

Article 11 increases the weekly rates of age addition and the rates referred to in article 11(2) for claimants entitled to long-term incapacity benefit.

Article 12 increases the weekly rates of transitional invalidity allowance and the rates referred to in article 12(2) for claimants entitled to long-term incapacity benefit.

Article 13 increases the rates of widowed mother's allowance, widow's pension, widowed parent's allowance and bereavement allowance.

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

Article 14 states the amount of sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of income support. Article 14(3) and Schedule 2 set out certain personal allowances; article 14(4) and (5) and Schedule 3 set out the premiums and article 14(7) and Schedule 4 set out other miscellaneous amounts.

Article 15 provides for the percentage increase of sums payable by way of special transitional additions to income support.

Article 16 states the sum by which any income support of a person involved in a trade dispute is reduced.

Article 17 states the amount of the sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of housing benefit and the appropriate maximum housing benefit. Article 17(7) and Schedule 5 set out certain personal allowances and article 17(9) and Schedule 6 set out the premiums.

Article 18 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 18(6) and Schedule 7 set out the personal allowances and article 18(7) and (8) and Schedule 8 set out the premiums.

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

Article 19 states the amount of sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of income-based jobseeker's allowance. Article 19(3) and Schedule 9 set out certain personal allowances; article 19(4) and (5) and Schedule 10 set out the premiums; article 19(6) and Schedule 11 set out the premiums for joint-claim couples and article 19(8) and Schedule 12 set out other miscellaneous amounts.

Article 20 states the sum by which any jobseeker's allowance of a person involved in a trade dispute is reduced.

Part 5 of the Order relates to state pension credit.

Article 21 and Schedule 13 specify the amounts relevant to state pension credit.

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

Article 22 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. Article 22(2) and Schedule 14 set out the premiums, article 22(3) increases the support component, and article 22(5) and Schedule 15 set out other miscellaneous amounts.

Article 23 increases the support component for employment and support allowance under the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013.

Part 7 of the Order relates to universal credit.

Article 24 and Schedules 16 and 17 specify the amounts relevant to universal credit.

Part 8 of the Order provides for the revocation of the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/516).

In accordance with sections 150(8) and 150A(5) and (9) 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.

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