Provision of directions and guidance to district councils
62.—(1) The Department may–
(a)give directions of a general or specific nature, or
(b)issue guidance,
to district councils as to the manner in which they are to discharge their functions under this Order and the Rent Order.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), the Department may direct any district council to give to the Department, within such period as the Department may specify, such information with respect to the exercise by the council of its functions under this Order and the Rent Order as the Department may require.
(3) A district council shall act in accordance with any directions given under this Article and shall have regard to any guidance so issued.
(4) Any directions or guidance given or issued under this Article may be varied by subsequent directions or guidance.