94Directions and guidance
(1)The Scottish Ministers may give directions to local authorities in relation to the provision of assistance under this Part.
(2)Directions under subsection (1) may, in particular, with a view to preventing the duplication of the making of grants or loans in respect of the same work, make provision as to the circumstances in which local authorities—
(a)may or may not exercise their powers, or
(b)are or are not to perform their duties,
under this Part.
(3)A direction under subsection (1) may be—
(a)given to a particular authority or to authorities generally,
(b)varied or revoked.
(4)A direction under subsection (1) may not relate to the provision of assistance to a particular person or in relation to particular premises.
(5)In exercising its functions under this Part, a local authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers.
(6)Before issuing any such guidance the Scottish Ministers must consult—
(a)such bodies representing local authorities, and
(b)such other persons,
as they think fit.
(7)The Scottish Ministers may vary or revoke any such guidance.