(1)The regulator may arrange for a person to inspect—
(a)a registered provider’s performance of its functions in relation to the provision of social housing, or
(b)the financial or other affairs of a registered provider.
(2)The person must not be a member of the regulator’s staff.
(3)If the purpose (or main purpose) of an inspection is to assess a registered provider’s performance by reference to standards under section 193 the regulator—
(a)shall invite the Audit Commission to carry out the inspection, and
(b)may arrange for another person to carry out the inspection only if the Audit Commission declines.
(4)The regulator may direct a person carrying out an inspection to discontinue it.
(5)An inspection may be general or specific.
(6)The regulator shall reimburse costs incurred by the Audit Commission in carrying out an inspection.
(7)If the regulator arranges for a person other than the Audit Commission to carry out an inspection the arrangements may include provision about payments.
(8)In this section and sections 202 and 203 “the Audit Commission” means the Audit Commission for Local Authorities and the National Health Service in England.