SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 7Groundwater Damage Protection

Complaints procedure

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1

The Secretary of State shall appoint a person to be known as the Independent Groundwater Complaints Administrator who shall, subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, consider complaints which are made to him concerning the exercise by the Development Corporation of any of the functions conferred or imposed on them by this Schedule.

2

The Administrator shall not consider a complaint which amounts to a dispute required to be determined in accordance with paragraph 25 above or to be referred to and determined by the Lands Tribunal.

3

The Administrator shall in the case of any complaint which is required to be considered by him either—

a

reject the complaint, or

b

recommend to the Development Corporation steps which he considers should be taken by them with a view to resolving the matter complained of;

and if the Development Corporation do not take the steps recommended he may issue a direction requiring them to take such steps as may be specified in it.

4

The Development Corporation shall—

a

furnish such information,

b

disclose such documents,

c

provide such technical or other assistance, and

d

afford such facilities,

as the Administrator may reasonably require for the purpose of exercising his functions.

5

The Administrator shall hold and vacate office in accordance with the terms of his appointment; and there shall—

a

be paid to him such remuneration as the Secretary of State may determine,

b

be paid to or in respect of him such pension, allowances or gratuities, or be made to or in respect of him such payments towards the provision of a pension, as the Secretary of State may determine, and

c

be paid to him appropriate travelling and other allowances.

6

Payments under this paragraph shall be made, and expenditure incurred under this paragraph by the Administrator shall be met, by the Development Corporation.