(1)This section applies for the purposes of this Part.
(2)Each of the following is a receiving authority—
(a)a charging authority, and
(b)in the application of this Part to Wales, a county council.
(3)Each of the following is a notifiable authority (and is accordingly entitled to receive certain information and copies of certain documents as provided in this Part)—
(a)a charging authority,
(b)a county council,
(c)a metropolitan county police authority,
(d)the Northumbria Police Authority,
(e)a metropolitan county fire and civil defence authority,
(f)the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority, and
(g)the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District.
(4)A specified body is any body which provides services for local authorities and is specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State under this subsection; but a body is not a specified body as regards a financial year unless the regulations specifying it are in force before the year begins.
(5)Before exercising the power to make regulations under subsection (4) above the Secretary of State shall consult such representatives of local government as appear to him to be appropriate.
(6)Any regulations made under section 2(7) of the [1974 c. 7.] Local Government Act 1974 or section 56(9) of the [1980 c. 65.] Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 shall have effect for the purposes of subsection (4) above as if they had been made under it.