Environment Act 1995

Joint exercise of local authority functions

3 (1) The appropriate authority may give directions to any two or more local authorities requiring them to exercise the powers conferred by—

(a) section 101(5) of the [1972 c. 70.] Local Government Act 1972 (power of two or more local authorities to discharge functions jointly), or

(b) section 56(5) of the [1973 c. 65.] Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (which makes similar provision for Scotland),

in relation to functions under or by virtue of this Part in accordance with the directions.

(2) The appropriate authority may give directions to a local authority requiring it—

(a) not to exercise those powers, or

(b) not to exercise those powers in a manner specified in the directions,

in relation to functions under or by virtue of this Part.

(3) Where two or more local authorities have exercised those powers in relation to functions under or by virtue of this Part, the appropriate authority may give them directions requiring them to revoke, or modify in accordance with the directions, the arrangements which they have made.

(4) In this paragraph, “the appropriate authority” means—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, the Secretary of State; and

(b) in relation to Scotland, SEPA acting with the approval of the Secretary of State.