Commentary on Sections Interpretation Section 201 – Meaning of “relevant local authority”
329.Most duties under the Act are imposed on the “relevant local authority” for the child and that term is defined in this section. The relevant local authority for the child is the local authority for the area in which the child predominantly resides or (if that criterion does not apply) the area which the child has the closest connection to. In determining the relevant local authority no account is taken of a period of residence in a residential establishment, any other period of residence, residence in any other place, or connections with an area which may be prescribed in regulations. The child’s relevant local authority may change during the child’s involvement in the Children’s Hearings system.