SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 9Data matching

Powers to amend this Schedule

I18

1

A relevant minister may by regulations amend this Schedule—

a

to add a purpose mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) to the purposes for which data matching exercises may be conducted (see paragraph 1(4));

b

to modify the application of this Schedule in relation to a purpose so added.

2

The purposes which may be added are—

a

to assist in the prevention and detection of crime (other than fraud),

b

to assist in the apprehension and prosecution of offenders,

c

to assist in the prevention and detection of errors and inaccuracies, and

d

to assist in the recovery of debt owing to public bodies.

3

Before making regulations under sub-paragraph (1), a relevant minister must consult—

a

the persons within paragraph 2(2),

b

such representatives of persons within paragraph 2(2) as the minister thinks appropriate, and

c

such other bodies or persons as the minister thinks appropriate.

4

A relevant minister may by regulations amend this Schedule—

a

to add a public body to the list in paragraph 2(2);

b

to modify the application of this Schedule in relation to a body so added;

c

to remove a person from that list.

5

Before making regulations under sub-paragraph (4), a relevant minister must consult—

a

the body or person who is to be the subject of the regulations,

b

such representatives of persons within paragraph 2(2) as the minister thinks appropriate, and

c

such other bodies or persons as the minister thinks appropriate.

6

In this paragraph, “public body” means a body or person whose functions—

a

are functions of a public nature, or

b

include functions of that nature,

but, in the latter case, the body or person is a public body only to the extent of those functions.