(1)This section applies where a report published under section 27(3) states—
(a)that, in the opinion of the person making the report, the whole or any part of the Authority or any of the police support services which it provides is (whether generally or in particular respects) not efficient or effective; or
(b)that, in that person's opinion, the whole or any part of the Authority or any of the police support services which it provides will cease to be efficient or effective (whether generally or in particular respects) unless remedial measures are taken.
(2)If the Scottish Ministers consider that remedial measures are required in respect of any matters identified by the report, they may direct the Authority to submit to them an action plan within such period (being a period ending at least 4, and not more than 12, weeks after the date on which the direction is given) as is specified in the direction.
(3)An action plan is a plan setting out the remedial measures which the Authority proposes to take in relation to the matters in respect of which the direction is given.
(4)If this section applies at a time when there is already an action plan in force—
(a)references in this section to an action plan include references to revisions of the existing plan; and
(b)the other provisions of this section have effect accordingly.