Part 1

Auditor General for Wales

Accountability of certain public bodies in Wales

Studies relating to registered social landlords
5
After section 145B of the Government of Wales Act 1998 (c. 38) (inserted by section 4) insert—

Studies relating to registered social landlords
145C
1
The Assembly and the Auditor General for Wales may agree on one or more programmes of studies designed to enable the Auditor General for Wales to make recommendations for improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of the functions of registered social landlords in Wales.
2
If a programme is agreed, the Auditor General for Wales shall ensure that studies giving effect to the programme are undertaken by him or on his behalf.
3
It shall be a term of every such programme that the Assembly make good to the Auditor General for Wales the full costs incurred by him in undertaking the programme.
4
This section does not entitle the Auditor General for Wales to question the merits of the policy objectives of a registered social landlord in Wales.
5
Where a study is undertaken under this section by the Auditor General for Wales or on his behalf, he may arrange for a report containing—
a
the results of the study, and
b
his recommendations (if any),
to be laid before the Assembly.
6
A person commits an offence if without reasonable excuse he fails to comply with a requirement imposed under section 95(3)(a) or (b) in relation to a study under this section.
7
A person guilty of an offence under subsection (6) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.
8
The Auditor General for Wales may disclose to the Assembly information obtained by him or a person acting on his behalf in the course of a study under this section.
9
“Registered social landlord in Wales” means a body which is—
a
registered as a social landlord under Chapter 1 of Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996, and
b
mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 56(2) of that Act.