List of acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly from 2009 facts for kids

Did you know that laws are made to help keep things fair and organized in a country or region? In Northern Ireland, new laws are created by the Northern Ireland Assembly. These laws are called "Acts." They help decide how things like healthcare, money, and public services work.

This article will tell you about some of the important Acts that were passed in Northern Ireland in 2009. Each Act was designed to make specific improvements or changes for the people living there.

Important Laws Passed in Northern Ireland in 2009

Health and Social Care Act

This law, passed on January 21, 2009, was all about making changes to how health and social care services are managed. Think of it like updating the way hospitals and care homes are run so they can work better for everyone. It helped to improve the organization of these important services.

Financial Assistance Act

On February 4, 2009, a law was passed to allow government departments in Northern Ireland to give financial help in certain situations. This means they could set up programs to offer money or support when people or groups needed it, like in times of difficulty.

Public Authorities Reform Act

This Act, from February 16, 2009, was about changing or getting rid of some public organizations. Sometimes, to make things more efficient, governments decide to combine or close certain groups that work for the public. This law helped to make those changes happen.

Building Regulations Amendment Act

Passed on March 2, 2009, this law updated the rules for building. Imagine if the rules for building a house or a school needed a refresh to make them safer or more modern. This Act made those necessary changes to the building regulations.

Budget Act

On March 6, 2009, an important law called the Budget Act was passed. This law is like a financial plan for the government. It allowed the government to use certain amounts of money for public services in 2009 and 2010. It also set limits on how much money could be spent and borrowed.

Presumption of Death Act

This law, from July 2, 2009, deals with what happens when someone goes missing and is believed to have died, even if their body isn't found. It helps families get legal recognition for their missing loved one's death, which can be important for things like inheritance or closing bank accounts.

Budget (No. 2) Act

Just like the first Budget Act, this second one, passed on July 8, 2009, was another financial plan. It authorized more money to be used for public services for the year ending March 31, 2010. It also allowed the Department of Finance and Personnel to borrow money and use other resources for public services.

Rates Amendment Act

On November 3, 2009, this Act made changes to the rules about "rates," which are like local taxes that people pay for their homes and businesses. It also allowed some information about social security to be shared with the Department of Finance and Personnel. Plus, it gave a temporary power to give grants (money) to local councils.

Financial Provisions Act

The last Act of 2009, passed on December 15, was about financial rules. It made sure that certain reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (who checks how the government spends money) were protected. It also allowed some government departments to spend money for specific purposes and removed an old rule about financial accounts.