Section 4 –Financial assistance
Section 4 provides that financial assistance provided under a scheme may be given in any form. The financial assistance may be provided directly, or indirectly, to those entitled to receive it. Such assistance may be repayable in specified circumstances.
Subsection (1) allows financial assistance provided under a scheme established under either section 1 or section 2 of the Act to be given in any form, including by way of a grant, a loan or a guarantee.
Subsection (2) provides that financial assistance given under a scheme may be subject to such conditions as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with, the scheme.
Subsection (3) permits those conditions to include conditions for the repayment of grants in specified circumstances.
Subsection (4) specifies that financial assistance provided under a scheme may be provided directly to those entitled to receive it, or indirectly. If the financial assistance is provided indirectly, it can, for example, be given to a public body to provide financial assistance to those who are entitled to the assistance.
Subsection (5) enables financial assistance to be provided under the Act even though other statutory powers may exist for giving that assistance.
