The Utilities Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2016

Powers and duties of the court S

103.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (7), but otherwise without prejudice to any other powers of the court, in proceedings brought under this Part the court—

(a) may by interim order suspend one or more of the following—

(i) the procedure leading to the award of a contract, the conclusion of a framework agreement, the establishment of a dynamic purchasing system or the determination of a design contest;

(ii) the implementation of any decision or action taken by the utility in the course of following a procedure referred to in paragraph (i);

(b) if satisfied that a decision or action taken by a utility was in breach of the duty owed under regulation 100 (duty owed to economic operators), may do one or more of the following—

(i) order the setting aside of that decision or action;

(ii) order the utility to amend any document;

(iii) award damages to an economic operator which has suffered loss or damage as a consequence of the breach.

(2) In any interim proceedings under this Part the court may decide not to grant an interim order when the negative consequences of such an order are likely to outweigh the benefits, having regard to the following considerations—

(a) that decisions taken by a utility must be reviewed effectively and, in particular, as rapidly as possible;

(b) the probable consequences of an interim order for all interests likely to be harmed; and

(c) the public interest.

(3) Where the court is satisfied that regulation 104(8)(a) (ineffectiveness orders) applies but the second ground for ineffectiveness (within the meaning of regulation 104(8)) is not otherwise met, the court must, without prejudice to the other powers of the court, order—

(a) the payment by the utility of a financial penalty; or

(b) the shortening of the duration of the contract or framework agreement awarded following the procurement in relation to which the breach occurred.

(4) In determining what order to make under paragraph (3) the court must—

(a) ensure that the order is effective, proportionate and dissuasive; and

(b) have regard to all relevant factors including—

(i) the seriousness of the breach; and

(ii) the behaviour of the utility.

(5) Where the court makes an order under paragraph (3)(b) the court must, without prejudice to the other powers of the court, make such other order as the court considers appropriate to address the consequences of the shortening of the duration of the contract or framework agreement on the rights and obligations of the parties to the contract or framework agreement.

(6) Before making an order under paragraph (5), the court must have regard to any terms of the contract or framework agreement relating to the rights and obligations of the parties should the duration of the contract or framework agreement be shortened.

(7) Subject to paragraph (3) and regulation 104 (ineffectiveness orders), in proceedings under this Part the court does not have power to order any remedy other than an award of damages in respect of a breach of the duty owed under regulation 100 (duty owed to economic operators) if the contract in relation to which the breach occurred has been entered into, or the framework agreement in relation to which the breach occurred has been concluded.

(8) Sections 21 and 42 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947(1) do not apply in proceedings brought under this Part against the Crown.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 103 in force at 18.4.2016, see reg. 1(2)

(1)

1947 c.44.