(1)The Secretary of State may make provision by regulations about—
(a)the accounts and reports that companies are required to prepare;
(b)the categories of companies required to prepare accounts and reports of any description;
(c)the form and content of the accounts and reports that companies are required to prepare;
(d)the obligations of companies and others as regards—
(i)the approval of accounts and reports,
(ii)the sending of accounts and reports to members and others,
(iii)the laying of accounts and reports before the company in general meeting,
(iv)the delivery of copies of accounts and reports to the registrar, and
(v)the publication of accounts and reports.
(2)The regulations may amend this Part by adding, altering or repealing provisions.
(3)But they must not amend (other than consequentially)—
(a)section 393 (accounts to give true and fair view), or
(b)the provisions of Chapter 11 (revision of defective accounts and reports).
(4)The regulations may create criminal offences in cases corresponding to those in which an offence is created by an existing provision of this Part.
The maximum penalty for any such offence may not be greater than is provided in relation to an offence under the existing provision.
(5)The regulations may provide for civil penalties in circumstances corresponding to those within section 453(1) (civil penalty for failure to file accounts and reports).
The provisions of section 453(2) to (5) apply in relation to any such penalty.