(1)    The Secretary of State may by order specify an area in England as an area for which a body specified in the order (“a specified body”) may formulate and keep under review a strategy setting out how such functions of the Chief Executive as are specified in the order are to be carried out in relation to the area.

(2)    An order under subsection (1) may specify an area comprising the whole of England.

(3)    An order under subsection (1) may not specify an area in England consisting only of Greater London or a part of Greater London.

(4)    The Secretary of State may give directions and guidance to a specified body in relation to the formulation and review of its strategy, in particular in relation to—

(a)    the form and content of the strategy;

(b)    the updating of the strategy;

(c)    the steps to be taken when the body is formulating or reviewing the strategy;

(d)    the matters to which the body is to have regard when formulating or reviewing the strategy;

(e)    the consultation to be carried out when the body is formulating or reviewing the strategy.

(5)    A specified body must—

(a)    comply with any directions given to it under subsection (4), and

(b)    have regard to any guidance given to it under that subsection.

(6)    The Chief Executive may pay to a specified body such sums as appear to the Chief Executive appropriate for enabling the body to meet costs and expenses incurred, or to be incurred, by it in formulating its strategy or keeping it under review.