(1)A member of a local authority is entitled to a period of absence (“maternity absence”) if the member satisfies prescribed conditions as to maternity.
(2)The period of maternity absence to which the member is entitled is to be calculated in accordance with regulations.
(3)The regulations must not provide for a period of maternity absence to exceed 26 weeks.
(4)Regulations must include provision for determining when maternity absence may be taken.
(5)Regulations may allow a member to choose, subject to prescribed restrictions, the date on which a period of maternity absence starts.
(6)Regulations may prescribe circumstances in which a member of a local authority, or the local authority, may—
(a)bring a period of maternity absence to an end, or
(b)cancel a period of maternity absence.