Postal Services Act 2011

Procedure for fixing of charges

3 (1) The way in which a charge is to be fixed under paragraph 1 is by the publication or giving of such notification as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing the charge to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(2) OFCOM may set out in that notification the time at which the charge is to become due to them.

(3) A charge fixed under paragraph 1 for a charging year may be fixed in terms providing for a deduction from the charge on a proportionate basis to be made for a part of the year during which the service in respect of which it is fixed is not provided by the person otherwise liable to the charge.

(4) A charge fixed under paragraph 1 for a charging year may also be fixed so that (subject to sub-paragraph (5)) it is referable, in whole or in part, to the provision of a service during a part of the year falling before the fixing of the charge.

(5) A charge may be fixed so as to be referable to a time before it is fixed to the extent only that both—

(a) the imposition of the charge, and

(b) the amount of the charge,

are required by, and consistent with, the statement of charging principles in force at the beginning of the charging year.

(6) Before making or revising a statement of charging principles, OFCOM must consult such of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected by those principles as they think fit.

(7) The way in which a statement of charging principles must be made or may be revised is by the publication of the statement or revised statement in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.