MPs debate social security measures

The House of Commons was asked to approve two draft social security Orders. The two draft Orders were debated together and were agreed by MPs on a division, 247 to 19.

Social Security Orders

1. That the draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2011, which was laid before this House on 3 February, be approved.
   
2. That the draft Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order 2011, which was laid before this House on 3 February, be approved.

Watch and read the views expressed by MPs who took part in the debate and find more current parliamentary material on social security and pensions in the Topics section on the Parliament website.

• Video and Audio: Motions on benefits and pensions
• Commons Hansard: Motions on benefits and pensions
• Topics: Social Security and pensions

Delegated legislation

Delegated or secondary legislation allows the Government to make changes to a law without needing to push through a completely new Act of Parliament.

The original Act (also known as primary legislation) would have made provisions for future delegated legislation that could alter the law to differing degrees. Statutory Instruments (SIs), often called orders or regulations, are a type of delegated legislation requiring Parliaments approval before the change to the law can be made.

Motions

A proposal for action put forward in the House of Commons for consideration, debate and decision. The debate allows MPs to voice the concerns and interests of their constituents.