The UK Human Rights Act 1998 is based on the European Convention on Human Rights. The Act makes it unlawful for a public authority in the UK to act incompatibly with the Convention rights and allows for a case to be brought in a UK court or tribunal against the authority if it does so.
Privatised utilities such as water, gas and electricity companies have functions that will probably count as "public" under the Human Rights Act. If a body of this type has breached Convention rights, a claim under the Act is possible only if the act or decision complained about is in the public sphere. If it is a wholly private matter (for example where such a person, body or company is acting as an employer or in a commercial capacity), a claim under the Human Rights Act will not be possible.
For a detailed explanation of the guide, click below:
A Guide to the Human Rights Act 1998
