This section sets new offences which aim to ensure that use of the investigatory powers in Chapter 3 are effective by penalising uncooperative or misleading behaviour. It also sets the penalty for the offences, which is a fine not exceeding £1,000 (level 3 on the standard scale), except for the more severe offence of falsely purporting to be a housing officer, for which the fine is unlimited.
Part 4: Enforcement Chapter 3 – Investigatory Powers Section 131: Offences Background