Territorial Extent and Devolution Studies Section 42: Studies on impact of statutory provisions, etc
91.This section requires the Auditor General to undertake or promote studies to identify and assess the impact of statutory provisions, or directions or guidance made by the Assembly, on the economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of the functions of local government bodies in Wales. Before undertaking such studies the Auditor General must consult with the same associations as those referred to above in relation to section 41. The Auditor General is required to lay reports resulting from such studies before the Assembly where he thinks that a matter should be drawn to the attention of the Assembly. There is also a requirement for the Auditor General and the Assembly (in practice, the Assembly Social Services Inspectorate Wales) to co-operate in relation to studies under this section or under section 95(2) of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003. Section 95(2) of that Act gives the Assembly functions to carry out studies, in respect of local authority social services functions in Wales, of a kind similar to those which the Auditor General can carry out under section 42 of this Act. The duty of co-operation is, thus, intended to minimise the practical impact of the regulatory regime on the work of local authority social services departments.