Commentary on Sections Part 1 – Adoption Chapter 2 – The Adoption Service Section 14: Default power of appropriate Minister
60.Section 14 provides default powers to the appropriate Minister. These powers are exercisable where a local authority have failed, without reasonable excuse, to comply with any of the duties imposed by or under the Act or by or under section 1 or 2(4) of the Adoption (Intercountry Aspects) Act 1999. The appropriate Minister may make an order containing directions to ensure that the duty is complied with within the period specified in the order. Any directions issued are enforceable by a mandatory order.