Section 3: Regulations relating to assistance schemes
25.This section gives the Secretary of State the power to make regulations regarding assistance schemes. These regulations may make provision about any of the matters specified in section 2(2) (see paragraph 22 above), including provision to impose civil penalties for non-compliance with assistance schemes (which can only be made in regulations). Regulations may not apply to an existing assistance scheme without the consent of all participants (subsection (3)). Before making regulations, subsection (4) places a requirement on the Secretary of State to consult the administrator of the scheme, the Scottish Ministers and any other person that the Secretary of State thinks appropriate. This consultation may occur before or after commencement of this power.