Part 1

Functions of OFCOM

Strategic priorities

Statement of strategic priorities
2A
1
The Secretary of State may designate a statement for the purposes of this section if the requirements set out in section 2C (consultation and parliamentary procedure) are satisfied.
2
The statement is a statement prepared by the Secretary of State that sets out strategic priorities of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom relating to—
a
telecommunications,
b
the management of the radio spectrum, and
c
postal services.
3
The statement may, among other things, set out particular outcomes identified with a view to achieving the strategic priorities.
4
This section does not restrict the Secretary of State's powers under any other provision of this Act or any other enactment.
5
A statement designated under subsection (1) must be published in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
6
A statement designated under subsection (1) may be amended (including by replacing the whole or a part of the statement with new content) by a subsequent statement designated under that subsection, and this section and sections 2B and 2C apply in relation to any such subsequent statement as in relation to the original statement.
7
Except as provided by subsection (8), no amendment may be made under subsection (6) within the period of 5 years beginning with the day on which a statement was most recently designated under subsection (1).
8
An earlier amendment may be made under subsection (6) if—
a
since that day—
i
a Parliamentary general election has taken place, or
ii
there has been a significant change in the policy of Her Majesty's government affecting any matter mentioned in subsection (2)(a), (b) or (c), or
b
the Secretary of State considers that the statement, or any part of it, conflicts with any of
OFCOM
's general duties (within the meaning of section 3).
Ss. 2A-2C and cross-heading inserted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 98(1), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(aa)