PART 2

GENERAL POWER OF COMPETENCE
CHAPTER 1

THE GENERAL POWER

Local authority's general power of competence
24
1
A qualifying local authority has power to do anything that individuals generally may do, even if that thing is, in nature or extent or otherwise—
a
unlike anything a qualifying local authority may do apart from this section;
b
unlike anything that other public bodies may do.
2
Where subsection (1) confers power on an authority to do something, it confers power to do it in any way whatsoever, including—
a
power to do it anywhere in Wales or elsewhere;
b
power to do it for a commercial purpose or otherwise for a charge, or without charge;
c
power to do it for, or otherwise than for, the benefit of the authority, its area or persons resident or present in its area.
3
The generality of the power conferred by subsection (1) on a qualifying local authority is not limited by the existence of any other power of the authority; and any other power of the authority is not limited by the existence of the general power.
4
For the purposes of this Chapter, each of the following is a qualifying local authority—
a
a principal council;
b
an eligible community council (as to which see Chapter 2).
5
In this section, “individual” means an individual with full capacity.
6
References in this Part to the general power are to the power conferred by subsection (1).
7
This section is subject to sections 25 to 27 and to any provision made under section 28(3) or (4).
S. 24 in force at 1.11.2021 by S.I. 2021/231, art. 4(a)