An area support team is to carry out for its area the functions conferred on the National Convener by section 6.

The National Convener may not specify for the purpose of sub-paragraph (2)(b) the functions conferred on the National Convener by section 8.

Before delegating a function under sub-paragraph (2) to be carried out by an area support team the National Convener must consult each constituent authority.

A function to be carried out by an area support team by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) or (2) may not be delegated by the area support team to a person who is not a member of the area support team.

Nothing in sub-paragraph (1) or (2) prevents the National Convener from carrying out any function mentioned in those sub-paragraphs.

Before giving a direction to an area support team as mentioned in sub-paragraph (7) the National Convener must consult each constituent authority.

A constituent authority must provide an area support team with such administrative support as the National Convener considers appropriate.

In sub-paragraph (9), “administrative support” means staff, property or other services which the National Convener considers are required to facilitate the carrying out by an area support team of its functions.