Commentary on Sections Functions Section 4: General powers
13.Section 4 permits the Commissioner to do anything which appears to the Commissioner to be necessary or expedient to the carrying out of their functions, such as entering into contracts, acquiring or disposing of land or obtaining advice, assistance or any other service from a third party (such as legal advice from a solicitor). However, this is subject to the caveat that the Commissioner may only pay a person for advice, assistance or for any other service with the approval of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (“the SPCB”). This gives the SPCB a role in approving the appointment of a person to provide advice or other service to the Commissioner.