18.—(1) Authorisation procedures and formalities provided for by a competent authority under an authorisation scheme must—
(a)be clear,
(b)be made public in advance, and
(c)secure that applications for authorisation are dealt with objectively and impartially.
(2) Authorisation procedures and formalities provided for by a competent authority under an authorisation scheme must not—
(a)be dissuasive, or
(b)unduly complicate or delay the provision of the service.
(3) Authorisation procedures and formalities provided for by a competent authority under an authorisation scheme must be easily accessible.
(4) Any charges provided for by a competent authority which applicants may incur under an authorisation scheme must be reasonable and proportionate to the cost of the procedures and formalities under the scheme and must not exceed the cost of those procedures and formalities.