(a) we will focus our attention on the specific issues raised by Disputing Companies within the SoCs.
We intend only to consider more general objections raised by the Disputing Companies to the extent that an understanding of these is needed to come to a view on the specific requests; (b) we will consider specific issues raised by Ofwat and third parties in response to the SoCs so our consideration is balanced, taking account of customers’ interests; (c) we will treat some matters raised by several main and third parties on issues of principle as common issues, on which we will hold joint hearings with the Disputing Companies and Ofwat and require joint submissions from the Disputing Companies; and (d) we do not intend to re-open points that are unchallenged unless we consider doing so is necessary to come to a view on the specific requests.
28. While looking at groups of issues and common issues, we are conscious of the interlinkages and interdependencies arising between them. In addition, our decisions on issues raised, unless the issue is a solely company-specific matter, may have relevance for the redeterminations for the other Disputing Companies. It is not within the CMA’s powers to make changes for those water companies who have accepted Ofwat’s determinations. To the extent that our redeterminations change the position for the Disputing Companies on issues common across the sector, for example on allowed return, such changes would not apply to non- Disputing Companies. 29.
When making each of our redeterminations, we need to consider the issues we prioritise in context, having regard to whether the overall package provides the best approach to fulfilling our duties in the redeterminations. Approach to prioritising 30. We are mindful of Disputing Companies’ incentives to selectively raise areas where the price control settlement might be unfavourable to them. Our consideration of the price controls is not driven solely by the issues raised by the main parties (although this is a key part of the evidence we will consider). We will 9