The Combined Authority must adopt rules of eligibility for awards by an institution to which it makes grants, loans or other payments under section 100 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 in accordance with any direction given by the Secretary of State.

In exercising the functions mentioned in articles 6 and 7, the Combined Authority must have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State for the purpose of this article (as amended from time to time or as replaced by a subsequent document)34.

In subsection (1), “award” has the same meaning as in regulation 2 of the Fees and Awards (England) Regulations 200735.