Part 4: Age Assessment Section 49: Interpretation
Overview: This section defines a number of terms referred to in the sections that Part 4, which relates to age assessment. This includes the definition of an age-disputed person to Part 4 will apply.
	Background: In recent years, the UK has typically received an average of 3,000 asylum claims from unaccompanied children. These claims make up approximately 9-10% of the overall number of asylum seekers that arrive in the UK each year. The vast majority of UASC claim to be aged 16-17. In the year ending June 2021, 74% of UASC fell into this age range.
	The age of a person arriving in the UK is normally established from the documents with which they have travelled. However, many who claim to be under the age of 18 do not have any definitive documentary evidence to support their claimed age. While many are clearly children, for others it is less clear and there is a need to make a decision on their claimed age. This situation carries significant safeguarding risks. An incorrect determination can result in adults being placed with or alongside children. Conversely, if a child is wrongly assessed to be an adult, they will be deprived of the statutory support owed to them.
	This section substitutes section 94 (7) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 with a subsection that makes reference to the conduct of age assessments under this Part.
	Subsection 1 defines an age-disputed person. The effect of this is that age assessments under this Part will only be carried out on those who are subject to immigration control, where there is not enough evidence to be sure of their age.
	Subsection 2 defines a number of terms used in this Part, including local authority, immigration functions, immigration officers, a designated person, a decision-maker and a specified scientific method of age assessment.
	Subsection 3 defines "relevant children’s legislation" across the United Kingdom for the purposes of these provisions
	Subsection 4 defines the terms "corresponding function" and "statutory provision" referred to in subsection 3.
	Subsection 5 replaces section 94(7) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 with a reference to the conduct of age assessments under this Part of the Act. This is because age assessments which need to be carried out to establish eligibility for support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 can now be carried out under this Part.