(1)Merger regulations must—
(a)make provision for there to be established from a specified date a shadow authority consisting of all the members of the merging authorities,
(b)make provision for the appointment of a shadow executive by the shadow authority,
(c)specify the composition of the shadow executive,
(d)make provision specifying the functions of the shadow authority and the shadow executive, and about the exercise of those functions, during the shadow period,
(e)make provision about the funding of the shadow authority, and
(f)make provision for the shadow authority and the shadow executive to become the principal local authority for the new principal area, and the executive for that principal local authority, for the pre-election period.
(2)In subsection (1) “shadow period” means the period—
(a)beginning with the date on which the shadow authority or shadow executive is first authorised or required to exercise any functions in accordance with the merger regulations, and
(b)ending immediately before the transfer date.
(3)In subsection (1) “pre-election period” means the period—
(a)beginning with the transfer date, and
(b)ending immediately before the fourth day after the holding of the first ordinary election of councillors to the new principal local authority.
(4)The Welsh Ministers may issue guidance in relation to the exercise of functions by shadow authorities and shadow executives established or appointed pursuant to merger regulations; and shadow authorities and shadow executives must have regard to guidance issued under this subsection in the exercise of their functions.