Section 127 - Approval of draft multi-area agreement
287.This section provides for the Secretary of State to approve, require modifications to or reject a draft multi-area agreement that is submitted in accordance with a direction issued under section 125. The approval brings the multi-area agreement into effect for the period specified in the agreement.
288.Subsection (3) provides that where the Secretary of State requires modifications to a draft multi-area agreement, this acts as a new direction under section 125 and therefore the duties on the responsible authority and local and partner authorities in connection with preparation of the agreement will continue to apply.
289.Subsection (4) stipulates that where the Secretary of State rejects a draft multi-area agreement then all directions and duties applicable to that agreement cease. If the local authorities concerned want to continue to pursue a multi-area agreement then they may do so without the benefit of a direction (and associated duties) or would need to submit a new request to the Secretary of State under section 124.