The Concession Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2016

Powers and duties of the court S

54.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (7), but otherwise without prejudice to any other powers of the court, in proceedings brought under this Part the court—

(a) may by interim order suspend—

(i) the procedure leading to the award of a concession contract; and

(ii) the implementation of any decision or action taken by the contracting entity in the course of following a procedure referred to in paragraph (i); and

(b) if satisfied that a decision or action taken by a contracting entity was in breach of the duty owed under regulation 51 (duty owed to economic operators), may—

(i) order the setting aside of that decision or action;

(ii) order the contracting entity to amend any document; and

(iii) award damages to an economic operator which has suffered loss or damage as a consequence of the breach.

(2) In any interim proceedings under this Part the court may decide not to grant an interim order when the negative consequences of such an order are likely to outweigh the benefits, having regard to the following considerations—

(a) that decisions taken by a contracting entity must be reviewed effectively and, in particular, as rapidly as possible;

(b) the probable consequences of an interim order for all interests likely to be harmed; and

(c) the public interest.

(3) If the court is satisfied that regulation 55(7)(a) (ineffectiveness orders) applies but the second ground for ineffectiveness is not otherwise met, the court must, without prejudice to the other powers of the court, order—

(a) the payment by the contracting entity of a financial penalty; or

(b) the shortening of the duration of the concession contract awarded following the procurement in relation to which the breach occurred.

(4) In determining what order to make under paragraph (3) the court must—

(a) ensure that the order is effective, proportionate and dissuasive; and

(b) have regard to all relevant factors including—

(i) the seriousness of the breach; and

(ii) the behaviour of the contracting entity.

(5) If the court makes an order under paragraph (3)(b) the court must, without prejudice to the other powers of the court, make such other order as the court considers appropriate to address the consequences of the shortening of the duration of the concession contract or on the rights and obligations of the parties to the concession contract.

(6) Before making an order under paragraph (5), the court must have regard to any terms of the concession contract or relating to the rights and obligations of the parties should the duration of the concession contract be shortened.

(7) Subject to paragraph (3) and regulation 55 (ineffectiveness orders) in proceedings under this Part the court does not have power to order any remedy other than an award of damages in respect of a breach of the duty owed under regulation 51 (duty owed to economic operators) if the concession contract in relation to which the breach occurred has been entered into.

(8) Sections 21 and 42 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947(1) do not apply in proceedings brought under this Part against the Crown.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 54 in force at 18.4.2016, see reg. 1(2)

(1)

1947 c.44.