A returning officer for a local government election may take such steps as the officer thinks appropriate to encourage the participation by electors in local government elections in the area for which the officer acts.

Such an officer must have regard to any guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers for the purposes of this section.

The Scottish Ministers may reimburse a returning officer in respect of any expenditure incurred by the officer for the purposes of this section.

The total amount paid under subsection (3) must not in any year exceed such amount as is determined in accordance with regulations made by the Scottish Ministers.