(1)A direction under section 16 requiring the Commission to conduct an initial review of a proposed principal area must specify the date by which the Commission must submit to the Welsh Ministers under subsection (4)(a) of section 21 its report prepared under that section.
(2)A direction under section 16 may require the Commission to have regard to particular matters specified in the direction when conducting the initial review required by the direction.
(3)The Welsh Ministers may give general directions about the carrying out of initial reviews, including—
(a)provision as to the order in which different initial reviews required by directions under section 16 are to be carried out, and
(b)provision specifying matters to which the Commission is to have regard in carrying out initial reviews.
(4)Before giving a direction under subsection (3) the Welsh Ministers must consult the Commission and any association appearing to them to be representative of local authorities.
(5)A direction under section 16 or this section may at any time be varied or revoked by a subsequent direction.
(6)A direction under section 16 in relation to a proposed principal area may (in particular) be given after the publication of the Commission’s recommendation on an initial review conducted in relation to the proposed principal area pursuant to a previous direction under that section.
(7)The Commission must comply with a direction given to it under section 16 or this section.
(8)The Welsh Ministers may issue guidance about the conduct of initial reviews by the Commission and in conducting an initial review the Commission must have regard to any guidance issued under this subsection.