The Secretary of State may from time to time give directions—
to the database operator about the manner in which it is to exercise its functions, and
to local housing authorities about the manner in which they are to exercise the functions conferred on them by or under this Chapter.
Directions under subsection (1) may provide, in particular, that a function is only to be exercised—
after consultation with the Secretary of State, or
with the consent of the Secretary of State.
Subsection (1)(a) does not apply if the Secretary of State is the database operator.