2.—(1) A new council shall, during the transitional period, have the functions described in these Regulations.
(2) A new council shall—
(a)prepare for the discharge of its functions after 31st March 2015 and shall, in particular, establish such committees and sub-committees, appoint such staff, and prepare such budgets, plans, schemes and other things as are, or will be, required for that purpose; and
(b)liaise with any existing council for the purpose of ensuring continuity in the exercise of its functions on and after 1st April 2015.
(3) Subject to these Regulations and the Local Government (Boundaries) (2008 Act) (Commencement, Transitional Provision and Savings) Order (Northern Ireland) 2013, a new council may exercise any of the powers conferred by local government legislation during the transitional period.
(4) The provisions of local government legislation mentioned in Schedule 1 shall not have effect in relation to new councils during the transitional period.
(5) The provisions of local government legislation mentioned in Schedule 2 shall not have effect in relation to existing councils during the transitional period.
(6) The selection and appointment of a person to the office of clerk of a new council during the transitional period shall be made in accordance with sections 40 and 41 of the 1972 Act and shall be on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
(7) A new council may use the seal of one of its predecessor councils until such time as it may obtain a seal in its own name.