Section 16 Role of Welsh MinistersF1I1

Schedule 17 to the Equality Act 2010 is amended in accordance with this section.

After paragraph 6D (independent advocacy services — Wales) insert—

“6E

Power of direction — Wales

(1)

If the Welsh Ministers are satisfied (whether on a complaint or otherwise) that a local authority—

(a)

has acted, or is proposing to act, unreasonably in the discharge of a duty imposed by or under paragraph 6B, 6C or 6D, or

(b)

has failed to discharge a duty imposed by or under any of those paragraphs,

they may give that local authority such directions as to the discharge of the duty as appear to them to be expedient.

(2)

A direction may be given under sub-paragraph (1) even if the performance of the duty is contingent on the opinion of the local authority.

(3)

A direction—

(a)

may be varied or revoked by the Welsh Ministers;

(b)

may be enforced, on the application of the Welsh Ministers, by a mandatory order obtained in accordance with section 31 of the Senior Courts Act 1981.”.