Commentary on Sections Chapter 1: Nuclear Decommissioning Section 9: General duties when carrying out functions
71.Section 9 places a duty on the NDA, in carrying out its functions, to do all the things specified in subsections (1), (2), (3), (4) and (6).
72.Subsection (1) requires the NDA to have particular regard both to relevant Government policy, including that of devolved administrations (defined in subsections (7) and (8) respectively), and to the regulatory framework in respect of the environment, health and safety, and nuclear security (as defined in subsections (9) and (10)). This underlines the importance of decommissioning and clean up being carried out safely, securely, cost effectively and in ways which protect the environment. The definition of “nuclear security” is adapted from and consistent with the provisions on security in section 77 of the Anti‑Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001.
73.Subsection (2) also requires the NDA to promote the development of a competitive market for clean up and other contracts; to ensure the availability of a skilled workforce capable of sustaining its work programmes over the long term; and to secure the adoption of good practice across its sites.
74.By virtue of paragraph (d) of subsection (2) the NDA is required to secure best value for the taxpayer within this overall framework, but not at the expense of its other duties in subsections (1) and (2).
75.Subsection (3) places a duty on the NDA to consider and act in the overall public interest in decisions on operating its facilities and managing its sites. So, for example, the NDA should seek to obtain value for the taxpayer from any asset it owns but for which it no longer has a use.
76.Subsections (4) and (5) require the NDA, in carrying out its function under section 7(1)(e), to support and encourage activities benefiting the social and economic life of local communities, to have regard, in particular, to the extent to which the previous operator was supporting such activities before designation of a site to the NDA, and to consider the obligations that should be imposed on its site operators or management contractors in respect of such activities.
77.Subsection (6) places a duty on the NDA, before entering into any contract in relation to a site, installation or facility to require its proposed contractors to produce their procurement strategy for carrying out work under the contract, and to consider the likely effect on the economic life of the local community of implementing this strategy.