Introductory text

Whereas the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has consulted in the case of local authorities in England and Wales such representatives of local government and, in the case of local authorities in Scotland such associations of local authorities as he considers appropriate, pursuant to section 70(3) of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994^f1;

And whereas a draft of this Order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament pursuant to section 77(2) of that Act;