OFT promises faster enforcement kick off

The OFT has published final Guidance setting out its process and procedures when undertaking Competition Act investigations.

As set out in my article, the main thrust of the proposed changes are aimed at speeding up the investigations process and include the introduction of a trial for a new Procedural Adjudicator, independent from the case team, who will be able to reach swift decisions on any procedural disputes.  The OFT is also committing to reaching a decision whether to open an investigation within 4 months of receiving a written complaint and to the increased use of draft information requests and advanced notice of large information requests wherever appropriate.  It remains to be seen whether these changes will be adopted and in what form by the concurrent (such as Ofcom, ofgem etc) and other industry regulators but it is a positive and welcome step.