Postal Services Act 2011

Postal Services Act 2011

2011 CHAPTER 5

Commentary on Sections

Schedules

Schedule 6: Imposition, modification or revocation

453. Paragraph 1 provides that OFCOM can only impose or modify a regulatory condition if they are satisfied that this is objectively justifiable, non-discriminatory, proportionate to the intent, and transparent.

454. Paragraph 2 states that the power of OFCOM to impose a regulatory condition includes powers to make directions, consent, approvals and recommendations, discretions, different provisions for different cases, and revocation and modification.

455. Paragraph 3 sets out that the procedure for imposing, modifying or revoking a regulatory condition. OFCOM must publish a notification setting out its intention to impose, modify or revoke a regulatory condition, setting out the effect and giving its reasons for making the proposal and giving at least one month for the making of representations. OFCOM must consider every representation about the proposal and have regard to every international obligation notified to them by the Secretary of State. The publication of the notification must be in a manner which brings its contents to the attention of the persons who are likely to be affected by its contents, in the case of a designated USP condition, a USP access condition or USP accounting condition, or to the attention of such persons as OFCOM consider appropriate, in any other case.

456. Paragraph 4 provides that directions, approvals or consents for the purpose of imposing a regulatory condition are subject to similar provisions as apply to the imposition of conditions, as set out in paragraphs 1 to 3.

457. Paragraph 5 deals with the delivery of copies of notifications, directions, approvals or consents or modifications and withdrawals. The Secretary of State must receive a copy of any publication required under either paragraph 3 or 4. Additionally, with respect to a designated USP condition or general universal service condition, a copy of must be sent to the European Commission. The responsibility of sending any copy rests with the person who has published it or has given, modified or withdrawn it unless it relates to a proposal published by OFCOM under paragraph 4, in which case OFCOM have the duty.