Section 26: Extension of time limit for imposing financial penalties
150.This section amends section 22C of the WIA by increasing the limitation from twelve months to five years for the Secretary of State, the Welsh Ministers or Ofwat to impose a civil financial penalty on an undertaker or licensee for an historic breach of an appointment or licence condition or a relevant statutory obligation. It remains the case that the time limit for imposing a penalty does not apply if a formal notice has been served on the person on whom the penalty is to be imposed, before the end of the limitation period. The provision ensures that the extended time limit does not apply to a contravention occurring prior to the section coming into force.