The Local Authorities (Alternative Arrangements) (Wales) Regulations 2007

Joint exercise of functions

16.—(1) A relevant body may make arrangements under section 101(5) of the 1972 Act in accordance with this regulation.

(2) The arrangements must be made —

(a) where the functions to which the arrangements relate are the responsibility of the Board or executive of the other local authority concerned, with the relevant body which has power to make such arrangements on behalf of that authority;

(b) in any other case, with the other local authority.

(3) If the arrangements provide for the discharge of functions by a joint committee, appointments of the persons who are to represent each local authority on that committee must be made, and the number of such persons to be appointed must be determined, by the relevant body by which the arrangements are made on behalf of that authority.

(4) A joint committee appointed in accordance with this regulation may, subject to the terms of the arrangements, and unless the relevant body in relation to the local authority whose functions are the subject of the arrangements directs otherwise, arrange for the discharge of any of its functions by a sub-committee or an officer of one of the authorities concerned, and any such sub-committee may, subject to the terms of the arrangements and, unless the joint committee or the relevant body in relation to the local authority whose functions are the subject of the arrangements directs otherwise, arrange for the discharge of any of its functions by such an officer.

(5) Any arrangements made in accordance with this regulation by a relevant body for the discharge of any functions by a joint committee are not to prevent that body from exercising those functions.

(6) Where arrangements made on behalf of a local authority in accordance with this regulation by a relevant body provide for the appointment to a joint committee of persons who are not members of the Board of that authority, the relevant body must, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the arrangements, secure that copies of a document setting out the provisions of the arrangements are available at the authority’s principal office for inspection by members of the public at all reasonable hours.

(7) A relevant body preparing the document referred to in paragraph (6) above must have regard to any guidance issued by the National Assembly for Wales under section 38 of the 2000 Act.

(8) Part VA of the 1972 Act (access to meetings and documents of certain authorities, committees and sub-committees) applies to a joint committee established in accordance with this regulation.