Statutory inquiry

Most regulatory contact is a compliance case: questions, guidance, a chance to fix things. An inquiry is different in kind.

Opening an inquiry under s.46 gives the Commission access to protective powers — freezing bank accounts, suspending or removing trustees, appointing an interim manager. Opening is publicised with the charity named.

The most consistent trigger for escalation is not the original problem but failing to engage meaningfully with the Commission about it. See responding to the regulator.