Are Regulators Agents of Social Change? Cosmo Graham Centre for Consumers and Essential Services

Introduction – the argument Regulation as economic regulation Widening the agenda –Blurring responsibilities Equality and human rights Issues going forward –The regulatory space –Who is responsible? –Accountability

The privatisation settlement – principles Independent regulators Economic regulation –Price control, promoting competition –Social/environmental issues secondary Limited accountability

The privatisation settlement - practice Independence –Numerous government powers –Informal influence Economic Regulation –Text of legislation –Disconnections Accountability –Process model

The widening agenda - I Utilities Act –Social and environmental obligations –Guidance and powers Communications Act –Citizens and consumers Financial Services and Markets Act –New objectives –Financial capability

The widening agenda - II Social tariffs –From voluntary to compulsory? Sustainability –Water charging review “We’re in charge” –Putting Railtrack into administration

Equalities and human rights The Equality Bill –Socio-economic disadvantage –Elimination of discrimination Social and economic rights? –Essential services as rights based?

Going forward The regulatory space –Europe, the devolved governments, new NGOs Responsibilities Accountability –A problem for government? –A new role for the CAT? Regulatory court? –Parliament –Consumers