Commentary on Sections Part 8: Flexible administrative arrangements Chapter 3 Financial assistance Section 98: Financial assistance
229.This section enables the Secretary of State to provide financial assistance in respect of expenditure incurred or to be incurred in any matter related to or connected with a Defra function, subject to any conditions (for example terms governing reimbursement on breach) specified. These grant-giving powers are couched broadly and flexibly in order to enable the Secretary of State to fund any function within Defra’s remit, even where a more specific power to give financial assistance exists. This will, for example, enable the Secretary of State to fund directly matters such as social and economic regeneration of deprived rural areas. At present she can do this only through the Countryside Agency or some other delivery agency. The new power can be exercised in relation to Wales and Northern Ireland.