Section 27E: Provision of advice and information to public authorities, Water Industry Act 1991

The Council shall have the function of—

making proposals, or providing advice and information, about consumer matters (including matters affecting consumers in different areas); and

representing the views of consumers on such matters (including the views of consumers in different areas),

to public authorities, companies holding an appointment under Chapter 1 of this Part, water supply licensees, sewerage licensees and other persons whose activities may affect the interests of consumers.

Subject to subsection (7) below, information which relates to the affairs of any particular individual or body of persons (corporate or unincorporate) shall not be disclosed in the exercise of the Council's function under this section unless one or more of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (3) below applies to the information.

Information relating to a particular individual or body may be disclosed if—

the individual or body has consented to the disclosure;

it is information that is available to the public from some other source; or

it is not information the disclosure of which would or might, in the opinion of the Council, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of the individual or body.

Before deciding to disclose any information relating to a particular individual or body in pursuance of subsection (3)(c) above, the Council shall—

consult that individual or body; and

have regard to any opinion expressed by the Authority as to the application of subsection (3)(c) above to the information or as to the desirability or otherwise of its disclosure;

and paragraph (b) applies whether the opinion is given in relation to the information itself or to information of a description which applies to that information.

Subject to subsection (7) below, the Council shall not in the exercise of its function under this section disclose any information which it considers relates to any matter which is, or is likely to be, the subject of criminal proceedings.

In considering whether information relates to any matter as mentioned in subsection (5) above, the Council shall have regard to any opinion expressed (whether in relation to the information itself or to information of a description which applies to that information) by the Secretary of State, the Assembly or the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Subsections (2) to (5) above do not apply to a disclosure of information which is made to the Authority, the Secretary of State, the Assembly, the CMA or any other public authority.

The disclosure by the Council of information in the exercise of its function under this section does not contravene section 206 below (restriction on disclosure of information).

Section 27E: Provision of advice and information to public authorities

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