Local Government Act 1999

22 Audit Commission

(1) In this Act a reference to the Audit Commission is a reference to the Audit Commission for Local Authorities and the National Health Service in England and Wales.

(2) The Audit Commission may delegate any of its functions under this Part to—

(a) a committee or sub-committee established by the Commission (including a committee or sub-committee including persons who are not members of the Commission), or

(b) an officer or servant of the Commission.

(3) The [1998 c. 18.] Audit Commission Act 1998 shall be amended as follows.

(4) In section 33 (studies by Commission)—

(a) in subsection (1)(a), for “the provision of local authority services and of other services provided by bodies subject to audit” substitute “the exercise of the functions of best value authorities and the provision of services provided by other bodies subject to audit”, and

(b) in subsection (6)(a) for “local authorities” substitute “best value authorities”.

(5) In section 49(1) (restrictions on disclosure of information)—

(a) after “any provision of this Act” insert “or of Part I of the Local Government Act 1999”, and

(b) at the end of paragraph (b) insert “or under Part I of the 1999 Act”.

(6) In section 53(1) (interpretation) after the definition of “auditor” insert—

““best value authority” means a best value authority for the purposes of Part I of the Local Government Act 1999;”.

(7) After section 75(1)(e) of the [1985 c. 69.] Housing Associations Act 1985 (Housing Corporation and, in relation to Wales, Secretary of State: general functions) there shall be added—

“(f) to provide on request, to such extent as the Relevant Authority considers appropriate, advice and assistance to the Audit Commission for Local Authorities and the National Health Service in England and Wales in relation to the Commission’s functions under Part I of the Local Government Act 1999 (best value).”

(8) The Audit Commission may make payments to the Housing Corporation or the Secretary of State in respect of advice and assistance provided under section 75(1)(f) of the Housing Associations Act 1985.