Commentary on Provisions Part 5 – Enforcement of the levy and penalties Chapter 1 – Investigatory Powers Section 31 – Power to obtain information and documents from third parties
65.This section gives an authorised officer power to issue an information notice to a person (other than a liable person) requiring the provision of information or production of a document in respect of a liable person as specified in the notice (subsections (1) and (3)). An information notice may be issued under this section where (i) the officer reasonably requires the information or document for the purpose of assessing the liable person’s liability to pay the levy and any penalties paid or payable by the liable person in connection with the levy, and (ii) it is reasonable for the person to be required to provide the information or produce the document (subsection (2)).
66.An example of a circumstance in which this power might be used is where a local authority has cause to believe that a travel booking company may have been providing overnight accommodation on behalf of a liable person, without returns or payment having been made in accordance with the duties in sections 26 and 29.