Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021

Directions and guidance to Commission

4 (1) A direction under section 11 or 138 must specify the date by which the Commission must submit its final report to the Welsh Ministers under paragraph 8(3)(a).

(2) A direction under section 11 or 138 may require the Commission to have regard to particular matters specified in the direction when conducting the initial review.

(3) The Welsh Ministers may give general directions about the conduct of initial reviews, including—

(a) directions as to the order in which different initial reviews required by directions under section 11 or 138 are to be conducted and as to whether different reviews are to be conducted at the same time, and

(b) directions specifying matters to which the Commission must have regard in conducting initial reviews.

(4) Before giving a direction under sub-paragraph (3), the Welsh Ministers must consult—

(a) the Commission, and

(b) such other persons as the Welsh Ministers consider appropriate.

(5) The Welsh Ministers may direct the Commission to stop conducting an initial review, and to take no further steps in relation to the review.

(6) The Welsh Ministers may, after the publication by the Commission of an interim report under paragraph 7(2) in relation to an area under review, direct the Commission under section 11 or 138 to conduct another initial review in relation to the same area.

(7) The Commission must have regard to any guidance issued by the Welsh Ministers about the conduct of initial reviews.