45.—(1) This Chapter confers functions on the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (“the Council”) in relation to consumer matters.
(2) In this Chapter—
“consumer matter” means any matter connected with the interests of consumers;
“the interests of consumers” means the interests of consumers in relation to—
the supply of water to premises by water undertakers; and
the provision of sewerage services by sewerage undertakers.
(3) In considering the interests of consumers the Council shall have regard to the interests of—
(a)individuals who are disabled or chronically sick;
(b)individuals of pensionable age;
(c)individuals with low incomes; and
(d)individuals residing in rural areas,
but that is not to be taken as implying that regard may not be had to the interests of other descriptions of consumer.
(4) The Council shall carry out its functions under this Chapter in the manner which it considers is best calculated to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development.
(5) The Council shall establish a group in connection with the exercise of its functions under this Chapter.
(6) Accordingly, in paragraph 10(1) of Schedule 1 to the General Consumer Council (Northern Ireland) Order 1984 (NI 12) (“the 1984 Order”) after head (bb) there shall be inserted—
“(bbb)a group in connection with the exercise of its functions under Chapter III of Part III of the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.”.
(7) Nothing in paragraph (5) or (6) or Article 9(1) or (2) of the Energy Order (establishment of group in relation to energy) affects the power conferred by paragraph 10(8) of Schedule 1 to the 1984 Order (power by order to reduce number of groups); and accordingly an order under paragraph 10(8) of that Schedule may repeal paragraphs (5) and (6) and Article 9(1) and (2) of the Energy Order.
(8) Nothing in Article 4 of the 1984 Order authorises or requires the Council to carry out any function in relation to a consumer matter otherwise than in accordance with this Chapter.
(9) The Council shall send to the Department a copy of every annual report prepared by it under paragraph 12 of Schedule 1 to the 1984 Order.
Commencement Information
I1Art. 45 wholly in operation at 1.4.2007, see art. 1(2) and S.R. 2007/194, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 Pt. II (subject to art. 3, Sch. 2)