The Secretary of State may, in accordance with regulations, set safeguarding targets for a local authority in England.
The regulations may, in particular—
make provision about matters by reference to which safeguarding targets may, or must, be set;
make provision about periods to which safeguarding targets may, or must, relate;
make provision about the procedure for setting safeguarding targets;
specify requirements with which a local authority in England must comply in connection with the setting of safeguarding targets.
In exercising their functions, a local authority in England must act in the manner best calculated to secure that any safeguarding targets set under this section (so far as relating to the area of the authority) are met.
"Safeguarding targets", in relation to a local authority in England, are targets for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in the authority's area.