The Meat (Official Controls Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008

The additional charge

6.—(1) Where in respect of an accounting period the Agency incurs increased costs because of inefficiency in the operation of premises, it may, in accordance with this paragraph, add an additional charge to the standard charge incurred in relation to the premises for that period.

(2) The additional charge shall be a sum equal to the time costs generated by the inefficiency for the accounting period concerned.

(3) The Agency may not make an additional charge in accordance with this paragraph unless it has notified the operator of its intention to do so.

(4) The notification referred to in sub–paragraph (3) shall be given as soon as is practicable after the Agency has concluded that it wishes to make an additional charge in accordance with this paragraph.

(5) For the purposes of this paragraph “inefficiency” means inefficiency on the part of the operator and shall include in particular —

(a) delay in the start of slaughtering attributable to the operator;

(b) mechanical breakdown caused by lack of maintenance;

(c) enforcement action taken by the Agency or an inspector;

(d) under–employment of inspectors caused by the operator’s failure to adhere to the working hours or working practices agreed for the purposes of this paragraph pursuant to sub–paragraph (6);

(e) insufficient provision of slaughter staff caused by the operator’s failure to adhere to the working hours or working practices agreed for the purposes of this paragraph pursuant to sub–paragraph (6);

(f) delays caused by risks to the health or safety of inspectors attributable to the operator; and

(g) any change to the working hours or working practices agreed for the purposes of this paragraph pursuant to sub–paragraph (6) which is attributable to the operator.

(6) For the purposes of sub–paragraph (5)(d), (e) and (g), the Agency and the operator shall agree working hours and working practices and shall keep the working hours and working practices so agreed under review.

(7) Where, following any such review, it appears to the Agency and the operator that it is appropriate to do so, they may by further agreement vary any working hours or working practices agreed pursuant to sub–paragraph (6).

(8) Where any working hours or working practices have been varied pursuant to sub–paragraph (7) they shall be treated as having been agreed pursuant to sub–paragraph (6).

(9) No additional charge may be made in accordance with this paragraph in respect of any increased costs incurred because of any variation in working hours or working practices which does not alter the working hours or working practices which have been agreed in accordance with sub–paragraph (6).