25Provision of advice and assistance on security mattersU.K.
(1)A regulator to which this section applies may, in response to a request from—
(a)the holder of a licence under this Act, or
(b)an associated company of the holder of such a licence,
provide advice or assistance, to the person making the request, about any matter that is relevant to the exercise of the regulator's functions for the purpose mentioned in subsection (2).
(2)This section applies to a person appointed by regulations under section 16 to exercise functions for the purpose of ensuring security in relation to any activity, service, site, facility or other thing mentioned in section 23(1).
(3)The Secretary of State may—
(a)provide advice or assistance to any persons in connection with measures that they are required to take by directions given in the interests of national security under section 28;
(b)provide any advice or assistance to specified persons that the Secretary of State considers appropriate for the purpose mentioned in subsection (2).
(4)In providing advice or assistance under subsection (3)(b), the Secretary of State must have regard to any advice given by a regulator under subsection (1).
(5)The power under subsection (1) is in addition to any other duty or power of the regulator to provide advice or assistance.
(6)The powers under subsection (3) are in addition to any other duty or power of the Secretary of State to provide advice or assistance.
(7)A person who incurs expense in providing advice or assistance under this section to another person is entitled to recover that expense from the other person to the extent that the amount of it is reasonable.
Commencement Information
I1S. 25 in force at 29.7.2021 by S.I. 2021/817, reg. 2, Sch. para. 44 (with reg. 3)