Financial Services and Markets Act 2000

298Directions and revocation: procedure

(1)Before giving a direction under section 296, or making a revocation order under section 297(2), the Authority must—

(a)give written notice of its intention to do so to the recognised body concerned;

(b)take such steps as it considers reasonably practicable to bring the notice to the attention of members (if any) of that body; and

(c)publish the notice in such manner as it thinks appropriate for bringing it to the attention of other persons who are, in its opinion, likely to be affected.

(2)A notice under subsection (1) must—

(a)state why the Authority intends to give the direction or make the order; and

(b)draw attention to the right to make representations conferred by subsection (3).

(3)Before the end of the period for making representations—

(a)the recognised body,

(b)any member of that body, and

(c)any other person who is likely to be affected by the proposed direction or revocation order,

may make representations to the Authority.

(4)The period for making representations is—

(a)two months beginning—

(i)with the date on which the notice is served on the recognised body; or

(ii)if later, with the date on which the notice is published; or

(b)such longer period as the Authority may allow in the particular case.

(5)In deciding whether to—

(a)give a direction, or

(b)make a revocation order,

the Authority must have regard to any representations made in accordance with subsection (3).

(6)When the Authority has decided whether to give a direction under section 296 or to make the proposed revocation order, it must—

(a)give the recognised body written notice of its decision; and

(b)if it has decided to give a direction or make an order, take such steps as it considers reasonably practicable for bringing its decision to the attention of members of the body or of other persons who are, in the Authority’s opinion, likely to be affected.

(7)If the Authority considers it essential to do so, it may give a direction under section 296—

(a)without following the procedure set out in this section; or

(b)if the Authority has begun to follow that procedure, regardless of whether the period for making representations has expired.

(8)If the Authority has, in relation to a particular matter, followed the procedure set out in subsections (1) to (5), it need not follow it again if, in relation to that matter, it decides to take action other than that specified in its notice under subsection (1).