Communications Act 2003

112 Penalties for contravention of code restrictions

(1) This section applies (in addition to section 111) where—

(a) a person (“the notified provider”) has been given a notification under section 110;

(b) OFCOM have allowed the notified provider an opportunity of making representations about the matters notified; and

(c) the period allowed for the making of the representations has expired.

(2) OFCOM may impose a penalty on the notified provider if he—

(a) has been in contravention, in any of the respects notified, of a requirement specified in the notification under section 110; and

(b) has not, during the period allowed under that section, taken all such steps as they consider appropriate—

(i) for complying with the notified requirement; and

(ii) for remedying the consequences of the notified contravention of that requirement.

(3) Where a notification under section 110 relates to more than one contravention, a separate penalty may be imposed in respect of each contravention.

(4) Where such a notification relates to a continuing contravention, no more than one penalty may be imposed under this section in respect of the period of contravention specified in the notification.

(5) OFCOM may also impose a penalty on the notified provider if he has contravened, or is contravening, a requirement of an enforcement notification.

(6) The amount of a penalty imposed under this section is to be such amount not exceeding £10,000 as OFCOM determine to be—

(a) appropriate; and

(b) proportionate to the contravention in respect of which it is imposed.

(7) In making that determination OFCOM must have regard to—

(a) any representations made to them by the notified provider;

(b) any steps taken by him towards complying with the requirements contraventions of which have been notified to him under section 110; and

(c) any steps taken by him for remedying the consequences of those contraventions.

(8) Where OFCOM impose a penalty on a person under this section, they shall—

(a) within one week of making their decision to impose the penalty, notify that person of that decision and of their reasons for that decision; and

(b) in that notification, fix a reasonable period after it is given as the period within which the penalty is to be paid.

(9) A penalty imposed under this section—

(a) must be paid to OFCOM; and

(b) if not paid within the period fixed by them, is to be recoverable by them accordingly.

(10) The Secretary of State may by order amend this section so as to substitute a different maximum penalty for the maximum penalty for the time being specified in subsection (6).

(11) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (10) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.