(1)England and Wales is to be divided into areas for each of which there is to be a courts board.
(2)The areas are to be those specified by an order made by the Lord Chancellor.
(3)Each area established by an order under subsection (2) is to be known by such name as is specified in the order (but subject to subsection (4)).
(4)The Lord Chancellor may make orders altering the areas.
(5)“Altering”, in relation to an area, includes (as well as changing its boundaries)—
(a)combining it with one or more other areas,
(b)dividing it between two or more other areas, and
(c)changing its name.
(6)Before making an order under subsection (4), the Lord Chancellor must consult any courts board affected by the proposed order.
(7)When making an order under subsection (2) the Lord Chancellor must have regard to the desirability of specifying areas which are the same as—
(a)the police areas listed in Schedule 1 to the Police Act 1996 (c. 16) (division of England and Wales, except London, into police areas), and
(b)the area consisting of the Metropolitan Police District and the City of London police area.
(8)Schedule 1 contains provisions about the constitution and procedure of courts boards.