491.Under this section the Welsh Ministers may provide such support and assistance to a principal council as the Welsh Ministers consider appropriate to increase the extent to which the council meets the performance requirements. This section also allows a principal council to request support and assistance from the Welsh Ministers for that purpose. Before providing support and assistance to a council under this section (whether or not in response to a request from the council), the Welsh Ministers must consult the council about the support and assistance they intend to provide.