The Scottish Ministers may make grants of such amounts as they determine, or provide such other financial assistance as they think appropriate, to such persons as they think fit for the purposes of providing services to, or otherwise assisting or supporting, the Authority or the Police Service in the carrying out of the Authority’s functions or, as the case may be, police functions.

Grants may be made or financial assistance provided under this section only where the Scottish Ministers consider it is necessary or expedient to do so for promoting the efficiency or effectiveness of, or securing best value for, the Authority or the Police Service.

A grant is made subject to any conditions specified by the Scottish Ministers (including conditions about repayment).

Any financial assistance provided is subject to any conditions specified by the Scottish Ministers.