These Regulations are made under powers contained in Chapter 2 of Part 5 of the Localism Act 2011, which sets out a right whereby certain bodies may submit an expression of interest in providing services on behalf of specified authorities (“relevant authorities”) in the exercise of any of those relevant authorities’ functions in relation to England.

Regulation 2 sets out definitions used in the Regulations.

Regulation 3 adds to the list of relevant authorities certain fire and rescue authorities in England that are not already included by reason of being a county or district council.

Regulation 4 and the Schedule specify the grounds on which an expression of interest may be rejected by a relevant authority.

An impact assessment of the effect that this instrument may have as placing new burdens on relevant authorities is published with the Explanatory Memorandum alongside the instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament and may also be obtained from the Department for Communities and Local Government, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU (Telephone 0303 44 41349).