Overview

This bill, the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill, makes a minor technical amendment to the existing legislation governing the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA). The amendment clarifies the legal sections under which the GCA can operate, ensuring the adjudicator's powers remain effective.

Description

The bill focuses on a specific amendment to Clause 23 of the original Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill. The amendment corrects a potential ambiguity in the law concerning the GCA's powers. The Lords' amendment clarifies the specific sections of the law (Section 9(7) )that provide the GCA with the authority to investigate and enforce the Groceries Supply Code of Practice. The original wording omitted a necessary reference, potentially weakening the GCA's ability to act. This amendment ensures that the GCA retains its full legal authority.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant impact on government spending. The amendment is purely procedural and clarifies existing legislation. No new funding or resources are anticipated to be required.

Groups Affected

The primary groups affected are:

• The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA): The amendment directly affects the GCA's legal powers and ensures they remain effective in regulating the grocery supply chain.
• Supermarkets: The amendment will maintain the existing level of scrutiny and regulation on their practices as outlined in the Groceries Supply Code of Practice.
• Grocery Suppliers: The amendment ensures that suppliers continue to have access to an adjudicator to address potential disputes with supermarkets.

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