Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008

Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008

2008 CHAPTER 13

Commentary on Sections

Part Three: Civil Sanctions

Section 63: Guidance as to use of civil sanctions

165. A Minister may not make an order that gives a regulator the powers under this Act unless the order requires the regulator to publish guidance in relation to the imposition of a sanction and the acceptance of enforcement undertakings (“Penalty Guidance”). The order must also require that the regulator consult persons specified in the order (for example, persons affected by the new sanctioning powers) before publishing or revising the Penalty Guidance. The Penalty Guidance must also be revised by the regulator where appropriate, for example, where there has been a change in the rules. The order must also stipulate that the regulator must have regard to the Penalty Guidance when exercising its functions.

166. The Penalty Guidance must contain information about the circumstances in which a sanction is likely to be imposed or undertakings accepted, the defences available to the person, and the person’s rights of appeal. For particular sanctions under this Act, there are further specific requirements for the Penalty Guidance set out in subsections (3) to (5).