A relevant authority must consider an expression of interest in accordance with this Chapter if—
This is subject to section 82 (timing of expressions of interest).
In this Chapter "relevant authority" means—
The persons or bodies who may be specified by regulations under subsection (2)(d) include a Minister of the Crown or a government department.
In this Chapter "expression of interest", in relation to a relevant authority, means an expression of interest in providing or assisting in providing a relevant service on behalf of the authority.
In this Chapter "relevant service", in relation to a relevant authority, means a service provided by or on behalf of that authority in the exercise of any of its functions in relation to England, other than a service of a kind specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.
In this Chapter "relevant body" means—
For the purposes of subsection (6) "voluntary body" means a body, other than a public or local authority, the activities of which are not carried on for profit.
The fact that a body's activities generate a surplus does not prevent it from being a voluntary body for the purposes of subsection (6) so long as that surplus is used for the purposes of those activities or invested in the community.
For the purposes of subsection (6) "community body" means a body, other than a public or local authority, that carries on activities primarily for the benefit of the community.
The Secretary of State may by regulations—