4. Prior to setting a target in relation to an English local authority, the Secretary of State must—
(a)notify the authority—
(i)that he is proposing to set the target by a date specified in the notification, such date not to be less than two months from the date of notification; and
(ii)of a date, such date not to be less than one month from the date of notification, by which the authority’s proposed target and any representations in respect of the target may be submitted; and
(b)have regard to—
(i)any target proposed by the authority; and
(ii)any representations submitted.