16.—(1) A local authority may impose charges for services provided under section 15 of the Act (preventative services) or for assistance provided under section 17 of the Act (information, advice and assistance) in accordance with this regulation.
(2) If a local authority exercises its discretion under paragraph (1) in relation to a particular service or assistance, it may only do so to impose a flat-rate charge in relation to that service or assistance.
(3) A flat-rate charge imposed under this regulation may not exceed the cost incurred in providing the services or the assistance to which the charge relates.
(4) A local authority may not exercise its discretion under paragraph (1) to impose a charge—
(a)on a child;
(b)in relation to any provision of a service or assistance in relation to which a charge is being imposed under Part 5 of the Act.