Electronic communication4.

(1)

Where the criteria in paragraph (2) are met, any document required or authorised to be sent by these Regulations may be sent by electronic communication.

(2)

The criteria are that—

(a)

the recipient consents, or is deemed to have agreed under paragraph (3), to receive the document electronically; and

(b)

any document sent by the electronic communication is—

(i)

capable of being accessed by the recipient;

(ii)

legible in all material respects; and

(iii)

sufficiently permanent to be used for subsequent reference.

(3)

Any person sending a document using electronic communication is deemed to have agreed—

(a)

to the use of electronic communication for all purposes relating to the application which are capable of being carried out electronically; and

(b)

that the address for the purpose of electronic communication is the address incorporated into, or otherwise logically associated with, that communication.

(4)

Deemed agreement by a person under paragraph (3) exists until that person gives notice to revoke the agreement.

(5)

Notice of withdrawal of consent to the use of electronic communication or of revocation of agreements under paragraph (4), takes effect on a date specified by the person in the notice, but not less than 7 days after the date on which the notice was given.

(6)

In this regulation—

“address” includes any number or address used for the purpose of electronic communication or storage;

“document” includes any notice, consent, decision, representation, statement, list, report, form, plan, certificate, or other information or communication;

“electronic communication” has the meaning given in section 15(1) of the Electronic Communications Act 20006;

“legible in all material respects” means that the information is available to the recipient to no lesser extent than it would be if sent or given by means of a document in printed form; and

“sent” includes made, submitted or given and related expressions are to be construed accordingly.