CHAPTER 3MISCELLANEOUS
47Merging public services boards
(1)Two or more public services boards may agree to merge if they consider it would assist them in contributing to the achievement of the well-being goals.
(2)The Welsh Ministers may direct two or more public services boards to merge if the Welsh Ministers consider it would assist the boards in contributing to the achievement of the well-being goals.
(3)But boards may merge only if—
(a)the same Local Health Board is a member of each board seeking or being directed to merge, and
(b)no other Local Health Board is a member of any of those boards.
(4)If two or more boards merge—
(a)references in this Part (other than in this section) to a public services board must be construed as references to the merged board, and
(b)references in this Part to a local authority area must be construed as references to the combined areas of the local authorities that are members of the merged board.
48Collaboration between public services boards
(1)Two or more public services boards may agree to collaborate if they consider it would assist them in contributing to the achievement of the well-being goals.
(2)The Welsh Ministers may direct two or more public services boards to collaborate in whatever way the Welsh Ministers consider would assist the boards in contributing to the achievement of the well-being goals.
(3)For the purposes of this section, a board collaborates if it—
(a)co-operates with another board,
(b)facilitates the activities of another board,
(c)co-ordinates its activities with another board,
(d)exercises another board’s functions on its behalf, or
(e)provides staff, goods, services or accommodation to another board.
49Directions to merge or collaborate
(1)Before giving a direction under section 47(2) or 48(2) the Welsh Ministers must consult each member of the public services boards they intend to direct.
(2)When giving such a direction the Welsh Ministers must publish a statement containing their reasons for giving it.
50Performance indicators and standards
(1)The Welsh Ministers may by regulations set indicators and standards by reference to which public services boards’ performance in exercising functions can be measured.
(2)Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Welsh Ministers must consult—
(a)the members of the boards or persons appearing to the Welsh Ministers to represent those members;
(b)any other persons the Welsh Ministers consider appropriate.
51Guidance
(1)The Welsh Ministers must issue guidance to public services boards about the exercise of functions under this Part.
(2)In exercising a function under this Part, a public services board must take such guidance into account.