236.Section 93 creates powers for the Secretary of State, with the consent of Treasury, to determine and pay a grant to local authorities to enable them to contribute to the cost of welfare services. Similar powers are given to the NAW.
237.Other powers conferred by this section include powers to determine the purpose of the grant, to attach terms and conditions to the grant, and to provide guidance and directions to local authorities. This section defines which local authorities will receive the grant.
238.Section 93 also includes requirements for the Secretary of State (or NAW) to consult with local authorities, service providers and service users before issuing guidance or directions.
239.Section 94 allows information about recipients of Housing Benefit, Income Support (IS) or income-based Job-seeker’s Allowance (JSA) to be transferred to the local authority section administering the new grant, and to providers of welfare services. This transfer of information is necessary so that welfare services previously funded under Housing Benefit (or IS, or income-based JSA) can be funded under the new grant created in section 93. It will enable a smooth transfer to the new grant scheme.
240.Section 95 makes it an offence to unlawfully disclose information received under section 94.
241.Section 96 accordingly enables entitlement to Housing Benefit in respect of certain support services to be withdrawn. This section will apply to Scotland as well as England and Wales.
Introduction Commentary on sections Sections 93 to 96: Welfare services