Each local authority must prepare a plan for the provision of the services maintained under section 3(1) and secure that it is published.
The plan must contain information of a description prescribed by regulations (subject to subsection (4)(b)).
The regulations may make provision requiring local authorities—
The appropriate Minister may direct—
Directions may be given by the appropriate Minister for the purpose of making provision in connection with any duty imposed by virtue of this section including, in particular, provision as to—
Subsections (2) to (5) apply in relation to a modified or substituted plan (or further modified or substituted plan) as they apply in relation to a plan prepared under subsection (1).
Directions given under this section may relate—
and accordingly different provision may be made in relation to different local authorities or classes or descriptions of local authorities.