Commencement
154.Section 121 enables the Secretary of State to bring the provisions of the Act (except section 115 and the provisions specified in subsections (4), (5) and (6)) into force on such day as he appoints. In relation to the bringing into force of certain provisions he is required to consult the National Assembly for Wales or the Scottish Ministers. The Assembly will bring into force by order the provisions of Part 6. The Scottish Ministers will bring into force by order the provisions listed in subsection (4).
155.Section 115 came into force upon Royal Assent. Without the new power the Secretary of State (or the Assembly) was not able to fund the entire range of work undertaken by bodies such as Planning Aid. The commencement of this provision on Royal Assent ensured that a suitable funding mechanism would be in place as soon as possible.