List of acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly from 2002 facts for kids

Laws are important rules that help a country run smoothly and fairly. In Northern Ireland, new laws are made by the Northern Ireland Assembly, which is like a parliament for the region. Each year, they pass several Acts, which are official laws that everyone must follow. These laws cover many different parts of life, from how money is spent to how people are cared for.

Important Laws Passed in Northern Ireland in 2002

In 2002, the Northern Ireland Assembly passed several key laws. These laws aimed to improve different areas, such as business, public services, and social support. Here's a look at some of the important Acts from that year.

Helping Businesses Grow

• Industrial Development Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This law created a new organization called Invest Northern Ireland. Its main job is to help businesses grow and create more jobs across Northern Ireland. It also brought together the work of several older groups into this new, single organization.

Protecting Wildlife

• Game Preservation (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This Act updated an older law from 1928 about protecting certain wild animals. It changed some of the rules for hunting or catching animals like rabbits and hares.

Managing Government Money

• Budget Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This law allowed the government to spend money for the years ending in March 2002 and March 2003. It set out how much money could be used and for what purposes, like funding public services.
• Budget (No. 2) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: Later in the year, a second Budget Act was passed. This law also approved more spending for the year ending in March 2003. It made sure that government departments had the funds they needed to operate.

Improving Local Services

• Local Government (Best Value) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This law made it a duty for local councils to always try to improve the services they provide. It means councils should regularly check how well they are doing and find ways to make things better for local communities.

Supporting People's Health and Care

• Personal Social Services (Preserved Rights) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This Act dealt with people living in care homes who had certain rights to financial support. It made sure their existing support arrangements continued.
• Carers and Direct Payments Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This law was important for people who look after family members or friends. It allowed for carers' needs to be assessed and for services to be provided to help them. It also introduced "direct payments," which let people receive money to arrange their own care services instead of the government providing them directly.
• Health and Personal Social Services Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This law made changes to how nursing care is charged in residential homes. It also created a new council called the Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery. This council helps with training and standards for nurses and midwives.

Ensuring Safety and Social Support

• Railway Safety Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This Act focused on making railways safer for everyone. It introduced new rules and measures to prevent accidents on train lines.
• Social Security Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This law updated rules about payments like maternity pay for new parents. It also introduced "work-focused interviews" for partners of people receiving benefits, to help them find jobs or training.
• Children (Leaving Care) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This important law made sure that young people who have been looked after by authorities receive proper support when they leave care. It helps them transition into independent adult life.
• State Pension Credit Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This Act introduced a new social security payment called "state pension credit." This payment is designed to help older people with lower incomes.

Modernizing Business Structures

• Limited Liability Partnerships Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This law created a new type of business structure called a "limited liability partnership." This allows partners in a business to have some protection from business debts.
• Open-Ended Investment Companies Act (Northern Ireland) 2002: This Act made it easier for certain types of investment companies to operate. These companies allow many people to pool their money together for investments.

These laws from 2002 show how the Northern Ireland Assembly works to address different needs in society, from supporting businesses and protecting wildlife to caring for people and ensuring safety.