A principal council must from time to time, and at least once in each financial year, consult the following about the extent to which the council is meeting the performance requirements—
(a)local people,
(b)other persons carrying on a business in the council’s area,
(c)the staff of the council, and
(d)every trade union which is recognised (within the meaning of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52)) by the council.