PART 2GENERAL POWER OF COMPETENCE

CHAPTER 1THE GENERAL POWER

24Local authority's general power of competence

1

A qualifying local authority has power to do anything that individuals generally may do, even if that thing is, in nature or extent or otherwise—

a

unlike anything a qualifying local authority may do apart from this section;

b

unlike anything that other public bodies may do.

2

Where subsection (1) confers power on an authority to do something, it confers power to do it in any way whatsoever, including—

a

power to do it anywhere in Wales or elsewhere;

b

power to do it for a commercial purpose or otherwise for a charge, or without charge;

c

power to do it for, or otherwise than for, the benefit of the authority, its area or persons resident or present in its area.

3

The generality of the power conferred by subsection (1) on a qualifying local authority is not limited by the existence of any other power of the authority; and any other power of the authority is not limited by the existence of the general power.

4

For the purposes of this Chapter, each of the following is a qualifying local authority—

a

a principal council;

b

an eligible community council (as to which see Chapter 2).

5

In this section, “individual” means an individual with full capacity.

6

References in this Part to the general power are to the power conferred by subsection (1).

7

This section is subject to sections 25 to 27 and to any provision made under section 28(3) or (4).