Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002

7 (1) Section 35 (notification and objection) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (2)(d)(i) for “must” substitute “may”.

(3) For subsections (3) to (8) substitute—

“(3) Subsection (4) applies where a person to whom a penalty notice is issued objects on the ground that—

(a) he is not liable to the imposition of a penalty, or

(b) the amount of the penalty is too high.

(4) The person may give a notice of objection to the Secretary of State.

(5) A notice of objection must—

(a) be in writing,

(b) give the objector’s reasons, and

(c) be given before the end of such period as may be prescribed.

(6) Where the Secretary of State receives a notice of objection to a penalty in accordance with this section he shall consider it and—

(a) cancel the penalty,

(b) reduce the penalty,

(c) increase the penalty, or

(d) determine to take no action under paragraphs (a) to (c).

(7) Where the Secretary of State considers a notice of objection under subsection (6) he shall—

(a) inform the objector of his decision before the end of such period as may be prescribed or such longer period as he may agree with the objector,

(b) if he increases the penalty, issue a new penalty notice under subsection (1), and

(c) if he reduces the penalty, notify the objector of the reduced amount.”

(4) In subsection (9)—

(a) for the first “served” substitute “issued”, and

(b) for “served on” substitute “issued to”.

(5) At the end add—

“(11) In proceedings for enforcement of a penalty under subsection (10) no question may be raised as to—

(a) liability to the imposition of the penalty, or

(b) its amount.

(12) A document which is to be issued to or served on a person outside the United Kingdom for the purpose of subsection (1) or (7) or in the course of proceedings under subsection (10) may be issued or served—

(a) in person,

(b) by post,

(c) by facsimile transmission, or

(d) in another prescribed manner.

(13) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide that a document issued or served in a manner listed in subsection (12) in accordance with the regulations is to be taken to have been received at a time specified by or determined in accordance with the regulations.”