The process for making guidelines is set out in sections 120 to 124 of the CJA 2009. Prior to the passage of this Act, the Lord Chancellor was a statutory consultee on guidelines, but the Council were not required to seek formal approval from the Lord Chancellor (or the Lady Chief Justice) before issuing final, definitive guidelines.
	The Council already published an annual business plan prior to the passage of this Act, but were not required by law to do so, nor was there any requirement to consult with the Lord Chancellor on its contents.
Legal background Part 1: Sentencing Sentencing Council for England and Wales