Commentary on Sections Section 164 – Duty to co-operate and provide information in the exercise of social services functions
422.Section 164 provides that if the local authority requests the cooperation of, or information from, a relevant partner in exercising its social services functions, the relevant partner must do so unless it is incompatible with its own duties or would otherwise have an adverse effect on its own functions. The relevant partner refusing to co-operate or provide information must give written reasons to the local authority explaining its decision to refuse. The section also requires local authorities and relevant partners to have regard to any guidance issued by the Welsh Ministers.