Explanatory note

The Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2083) (“the Principal Regulations”) confer certain enforcement functions on certain bodies. The Principal Regulations implement Council Directive 93/13/EEC on unfair terms in consumer contracts (O.J. No. L95, 21.4.1993, p.29).

Section 1A of the Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56), inserted by section 34 of the Water Act 2003 (c. 37), establishes the Water Services Regulation Authority (“the Authority”). Section 34(3) of the Water Act 2003 abolishes the office of the Director General of Water Services (“the Director”). Section 36(1) of the Water Act 2003 transfers the functions of the Director to the Authority. These Regulations amend the Principal Regulations to substitute a reference to the Authority for the reference to the Director.

These Regulations also make transitional provision for the payment of pensions etc. to former Directors.

No regulatory impact assessment has been prepared in respect of these Regulations as it has no impact on the costs of business. A regulatory impact assessment in respect of the Water Act 2003 was prepared and placed in the library of each House of Parliament during the passage of the Water Bill. This included an assessment of the provisions of Part 2 of that Act. Copies can be obtained from Water Supply and Regulation Division, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 55 Whitehall, London SW1A 2EY or from the Department’s website at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/legislation.