Part 7Multi-area agreements

Preparation and approval of multi-area agreements

I1124Proposal for multi-area agreement

1

The local authorities for an area proposed to be covered by a multi-area agreement (“the proposed area”) may request the Secretary of State to give a direction under section 125 for the preparation and submission of a draft multi-area agreement for the proposed area.

2

The local authorities making the request—

a

must include all of the local authorities for the proposed area, other than any non-unitary district council for that area;

b

may include any non-unitary district council for that area.

3

In this Part “non-unitary district council” means a district council for an area that is part of the area of a county council.

4

The request must be made in writing and must—

a

identify the local authorities making the request,

b

nominate one of them to be responsible for preparing and submitting the draft, and

c

identify the proposed area.

5

The local authorities making the request must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State about such requests.