Commentary on Sections

Section 173 – Assistance for complainants

438.Section 173 provides that regulations may be made that require local authorities to assist people making a complaint under regulations made under section 171. The regulations may require local authorities to provide advocacy services to enable people to make complaints and may specify different groups or types of persons who should be provided with such assistance. The purpose of this provision is to enable the Welsh Minsters to target the assistance at groups who are identified as having the greatest need for advocacy and other support. The regulations may also include provision about publicising any arrangements for the provision of such assistance.