Explanatory Notes

Energy Act 2004

2004 CHAPTER 20

22 July 2004

Commentary on Sections

Chapter 1: Nuclear Decommissioning

Section 26: Accounts of NDA

114.Section 26 establishes the framework for NDA financial reporting in accordance with the usual rules governing non-departmental public bodies (“NDPBs”). It requires the NDA to keep proper accounts and accounting records and prepare an annual statement of accounts in accordance with requirements laid down by the Secretary of State with the approval of the Treasury. The accounts must be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (“C&AG”) and, together with the C&AG’s report, laid before Parliament.

115.The NDA’s accounts will show income from and expenditure on operational plant such as THORP, SMP and Magnox separately from income and expenditure on decommissioning and clean up. The DTI will be seeking views from stakeholders before final decisions are taken on requirements to be made as to accounting treatments and the presentation of the NDA’s accounts.