Commentary on Sections Part 2: Registered Social Landlords Survey and examination Section 48 - Inspector’s powers of entry and inspection
106.Section 48 inserts a new paragraph 19G into Schedule 1 to the 1996 Act. Sub-paragraph (1) of new paragraph 19G provides that an inspector may at any reasonable time enter premises occupied by the RSL being inspected, and inspect, copy or take away any documents found there. Under sub-paragraph (3), the reference to ‘documents’ found on premises includes documents stored on computers or electronic storage devices on the premises, and documents stored elsewhere which can be accessed by computers on the premises.  The power to inspect includes inspection of any computer or electronic storage device on which such documents have been created or stored (sub-paragraph (4)).
107.Sub-paragraph (2) states that the inspector may not enter residential accommodation (whether the residential accommodation is the whole of, or only part of, premises occupied by the registered social landlord).
108.Sub-paragraphs (5) and (6) provide that the inspector may require any person on the premises to provide facilities or assistance as the inspector reasonably requests. This includes requiring assistance from any person in charge of a computer as the inspector reasonably requests.
109.Sub-paragraphs (7) to (9) specify that it is an offence for a person, without reasonable excuse, to obstruct an inspector carrying out an inspection. A person guilty of an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 (currently £1,000) on the standard scale. Proceedings for an offence under this paragraph may only be brought by or with the consent of either the Welsh Ministers or the Director of Public Prosecutions.
110Sub-paragraph (10) provides that an ‘inspector’ means the Welsh Ministers or a person who is authorised in writing by the Welsh Ministers to exercise powers under this paragraph for the purposes of an inspection.
111.Sub-paragraph (10) also provides a definition of “residential accommodation”.