73.Section 54(1) requires the Council to have regard to the interests of different users of relevant postal services including the interests of users in different areas.
74.Subsection (2) requires the Council to have regard to the interests of certain specified groups. The specified groups are qualified to make clear however, that this is not intended to be an exhaustive list and it should not be taken as implying that regard should not be had to the interests of other descriptions of persons.
75.Subsection (3) requires the Council, as far as practicable, to collect and review information about the provision of postal services and the interests and views of users and matters affecting them.
76.Subsection (4) requires or allows the Council to set up certain committees. It requires committees to be set up for each of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and for there to be at least one committee in relation to England. It allows for committees to be set up for England and for areas within England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
77.Subsection (5) sets out the purposes of a committee established under subsection (4), which are to provide advice and information to the Council about relevant postal issues affecting the area for which it is established and such other purposes as the Council may determine.
78.Subsection (6) requires the Council to maintain in each of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland at least one office where users can apply for information.
Commentary on Sections Part III Other Functions of the Commission and the Council Section 54: Exercise of functions: general