Commentary on provisions of the Act Section 19: Enforcement of local authorities’ duties under sections 17 and 18
This section provides a mechanism for the enforcement, should it be necessary, of the duties on local authorities imposed by sections 17 and 18.
	Subsections (1) and (2) enable the Secretary of State to make an order declaring that a local authority is in default of a relevant direction under section 17 or a duty under section 18. Such an order must specify the reasons for the making of the order. No order may be made in circumstances where the Secretary of State is satisfied the local authority has a reasonable excuse for its failure to comply with a relevant direction or duty.
	Subsections (3) and (4) provides for an order made under subsection (1) to include directions to the local authority for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the direction or duty within a specified time frame and for such directions to be enforced by a mandatory order made by the High Court; whilst not provided for in this Act breach of an order by the local authority would constitute a contempt of court, the maximum penalty for which includes an unlimited fine.