Part 3

Mergers
Chapter 5

Supplementary

Investigation powers

Recovery of penalties
115
Where a penalty imposed under section 110(1) or (1A), or any portion of such a penalty, has not been paid by the date on which it is required to be paid and—
a
no application relating to the penalty has been made under section 114 during the period within which such an application may be made, or
b
any such application which has been made has been determined, withdrawn or otherwise dealt with,
the appropriate authority may recover from the person on whom the penalty was imposed any of the penalty and any interest which has not been paid; and in England and Wales and Northern Ireland such penalty and interest may be recovered as a civil debt due to the appropriate authority.
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1), art. 15B(1)(4)(5) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 28(3); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1991 c. 56, s. 14B(1)(4)(5) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 25(5); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8); and as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 12; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1990 c. 42, Sch. 4 para. 4A(1)(4)(5) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 24(9)(e); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1989 c. 29, s. 56CB(1)(5)(6) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 20(12); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8); and as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 10; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1989 c. 29, s. 14A(11F)(11I)(11J) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 20(6)(a); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1989 c. 29, s. 12B(1)(4)(5) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 20(4); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1986 c. 44, s. 41EB(1)(5)(6) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 15(12); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8); and as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 8; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1986 c. 44, s. 26A(11F)(11I)(11J) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 15(6)(a); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1986 c. 44, s. 24B(1)(4)(5) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 15(4); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1986 c. 31, s. 44B(1)(4)(5) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 14(3); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1984 c. 12, s. 13B(1)(4)(5) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 13(4); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8); and as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 18; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 2000 c. 38, s. 18(6)(10)(11) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 44(5); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 2000 c. 38, s. 12B(1)(5)(6) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 44(3); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 2000 c. 26, s. 19A(6)(10)(11) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 42(4); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 2000 c. 26, s. 15B(1)(5)(6) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 42(2); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by S.I. 1996/275 (N.I. 2), art. 15B(1)(4)(5) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 36(3); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by S.I. 1994/426 (N.I. 1), art. 35B(1)(4)(5) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 33(3); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1993 c. 43, Sch. 4A para 15(2D)(2H)(2I) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 30(15)(c); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8); and as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 23; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1993 c. 43, Sch. 4A para. 10A(1)(5)(6) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 30(15)(a); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8); and as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 22; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1993 c. 43, s. 15C(2D)(2H)(2I) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 30(6); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8); and as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 19; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1993 c. 43, s. 13B(1)(5)(6) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 30(4); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8); and as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 18; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 2000 c. 8, Sch. 14 para. 2A(1)(5)(6) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 40(20)(b); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8))
S. 115 applied (20.6.2003) by 1980 c. 21, s. 11B(1)(2) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 10(3); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8); and as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 2; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (1.10.2005) by 1991 c. 56, s. 17M(1) (as inserted by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), ss. 56, 105(3), Sch. 4 para. 2; S.I. 2005/2714, art. 2(h) (with Sch. para. 5); and as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 14; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (1.10.2005) by 1991 c. 56, s. 17Q(6) (as inserted by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), ss. 56, 105(3), Sch. 4 para. 2; S.I. 2005/2714, art. 2(h) (with Sch. para. 5); and as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 15; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (S.) (11.11.2005) by The Water Services etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3172), arts. 5, 10(3)-(7) (as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 paras. 38, 39; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (N.I.) (1.4.2007) by The Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3336 (N.I. 21)), arts. 1(2)(3), 23(1)(g), 27(6)(g) (with arts. 8(9), 121, 307); S.R. 2007/194, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 Pt. 2 (with Sch. 2); (as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 paras. 41, 42; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1592), art. 15, Sch. 3 para. 1(1)(u) (as amended (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/891), arts. 1, 18(1)-(17) (with arts. 20-23))
S. 115 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by S.I. 1999/3088, reg. 8 (as substituted by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Consequential and Supplemental Provisions) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1398), art. 2, Sch. para. 36(3))
S. 115 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (2.3.2004) by The Energy (Northern Ireland) Order (S.I. 2003/419 (N.I. 6)), arts. 39(2), 40(2), Sch. 2 para. 5(1)(g)(5)(6); S.R. 2004/71, art. 2, Sch. (as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 36; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (2.3.2004) by S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1), art. 17A(14)(g)(17)(18) (as inserted by The Energy (Northern Ireland) Order (S.I. 2003/419 (N.I. 6)), art. 36(2); S.R. 2004/71, art. 2, Sch.)
S. 115 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (2.3.2004) by S.I. 1996/275 (N.I. 2), art. 17A(17)(g)(20)(21) (as inserted by The Energy (Northern Ireland) Order (S.I. 2003/419 (N.I. 6)), art. 37(2); S.R. 2004/71, art. 2, Sch.)
S. 115 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by 1991 c. 56, s. 16B(6)(g)-(10) (as inserted by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), ss. 55(4), 105(3); S.I. 2004/2528, art. 2(h) (with art. 4, Sch.); and as amended (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 13; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
Pt. 3 (ss. 22-130) modified (20.6.2003) by 1998 c. 41, Sch. 7 para. 20(3) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 185, 279, {Sch. 11 para. 11(2)-(4)(8)}; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)
Pt. 3 excluded in part (29.9.2008) by The Bradford & Bingley plc Transfer of Securities and Property etc. Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2546), arts. 1(2), 40
Ss. 109-115 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 60(9), 211(2) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(c)(i) (as amended (1.4.2014) by S.I. 2014/892, art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 177 (with art. 3, Sch. 2 para. 2); and (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 31; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
S. 115 applied (15.1.2012) by The Postal Services (Appeals to the Competition Commission) (Investigations and Extension of Time Limits) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/2749), arts. 1, 3(g) (as amended (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) (No. 2) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/549), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 45(3) (with art. 3); and (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 30 para. 44; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(22))
Pt. 3 modified (1.7.2012) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), ss. 79, 306(4); S.I. 2012/1319, art. 2(3)
S. 115 applied (with modifications) (1.11.2012) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), para. 10(2), (10), (12), s. 306(4), Sch. 10 para. 10(1)(g); S.I. 2012/2657, art. 2(2)
Pt. 3 modified (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 4 para. 56; S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(c) (with Sch.)
Ss. 112-115 applied by 1998 c. 41, s. 40A(9) (as inserted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), ss. 40(2), 103(3); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(b) (with Sch.))
Ss. 110-115 modified by S.I. 2003/1592, art. 5A(f) (as inserted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/891), arts. 1, 7 (with arts. 20-23))
Ss. 111-115 applied (with modifications) by 2007 c. 29, s. 60(9) (as amended (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 177 (with art. 3, Sch. 2 para. 2))
Pt. 3 modified (31.12.2020) by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 paras. 28-33; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Ss. 112-115 applied (14.6.2021) by United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 (c. 27), ss. 43(11), 59(3) (with s. 55(2)); S.I. 2021/706, reg. 2
Pt. 3 excluded (28.6.2022) by 1992 c. 13, s. 56A(9B) (as inserted (E.W.) by Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022 (c. 21), ss. 23(2)(f), 36(2))
Pt. 3 excluded (28.6.2022) by 1992 c. 13, s. 56E(9B) (as inserted (E.W.) by Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022 (c. 21), ss. 23(3)(f), 36(2))
Pt. 3 modified (1.7.2022) by 2006 c. 41, s. 72A (as inserted by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), ss. 83(1), 186(6); S.I. 2022/734, reg. 2(a), Sch. (with regs. 13, 29, 30))
Pt. 3 applied (with modifications) (29.12.2004) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), Sch. 4ZA paras. 1, 2 (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 70(2), 279, Sch. 6); S.I. 2004/3233, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3-5)
Pt. 3 (ss. 22-130) applied (1.10.2005) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), s. 17M(4) (as inserted by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), ss. 56, 105(3), Sch. 4 para. 2); S.I. 2005/2714, art. 2(h) (with Sch. para. 5)
Pt. 3 applied (1.10.2005) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), s. 17Q(9) (as inserted by Water Act 2003 (c. 37), ss. 56, 105(3), Sch. 4 para. 2); S.I. 2005/2714, art. 2(h) (with Sch. para. 5)
Pt. 3 applied in part (N.I.) (1.4.2007) by The Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3336 (N.I. 21)), arts. 1(2)(3), 23(4), 27(9); S.R. 2007/194, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 Pt. 2 (with Sch. 2)
Pt. 3 modified (E.W.) (29.12.2004) by The Water Mergers (Modification of Enactments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/3202), regs. 2-35 (as amended (1.4.2014) by S.I. 2014/549, art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 22 (with art. 3); (18.12.2015) by S.I. 2015/1936, regs. 1, 3-20; (6.12.2023) by S.I. 2023/1185, arts. 1(2), 9-27); and (23.8.2024) by S.I. 2024/840, regs. 1(1), 3-7; and (1.1.2025) by S.I. 2024/1234, regs. 1(1), 3-10 (with reg. 11))
Ss. 112-115 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2025) by 1998 c. 41, s. 4ZE(5) (as inserted by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 10 para. 8; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(14) (with Sch. paras. 13(1)(2), 20))
Ss. 112-115 applied (with modifications) (24.5.2024 for specified purposes, 1.1.2025 in so far as not already in force) by 1998 c. 41, s. 35B(6) (as inserted by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(2)(c), Sch. 11 para. 6; S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(15) (with Sch. paras. 16(1), 20))
S. 115 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), ss. 89, 339(1); S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(2)
S. 115 applied (with modifications) (temp. until 24.5.2029) (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), ss. 313, 339(1) (with ss. 312(5), 318); S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(3)
Word in s. 115 substituted (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 10 para. 21(2); S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(14) (with Sch. paras. 14(1)(2), 20)
Words in s. 115 substituted (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 10 para. 21(3); S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(14) (with Sch. paras. 14(1)(2), 20)