After section 99 of the 2004 Act, insert—

“Guidance

99AGuidance

(1)

A local authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers about—

(a)

the discharge of its functions under this Part; and

(b)

matters arising in connection with the discharge of those functions.

(2)

Before issuing any such guidance the Scottish Ministers must consult—

(a)

local authorities; and

(b)

such other persons as they think fit.”.