Legislation – The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Delay in Expiry: Inquests, Courts and Tribunals, and Statutory Sick Pay) (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2022

EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations extend the period for which certain provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7) continue in force. The provisions are continued in force for a further period of six months beginning with 25th March 2022.

In relation to England and Wales, the provisions which are continued in force are:

(a)

section 30 (suspension of requirement to hold inquest with jury: England and Wales);

(b)

section 53 and Schedule 23 (expansion of availability of live links in criminal proceedings);

(c)

section 54 and Schedule 24 (expansion of availability of live links in other criminal hearings);

(d)

section 55 and Schedule 25 (public participation in proceedings conducted by video or audio).

In relation to Northern Ireland, section 43 (statutory sick pay: power to disapply waiting period limitation: Northern Ireland) is continued in force.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for regulation 2 of these Regulations as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.

No impact assessment has been conducted for regulation 3 of these Regulations as an impact assessment covering section 43 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 has already been provided. The impact assessment is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-bill-summary-of-impacts/coronavirus-bill-summary-of-impacts.