Section 6: Guidance
30.This section provides that local authorities must have regard to any guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers in connection with the exercise of functions under sections 1 to 3 of the Act and any regulations made under section 4.
31.Subsection (2) provides as to the guidance that the Scottish Ministers can issue. The guidance must apply in the same way to all local authorities, may be general or specific and can be varied or revoked, subject to consultation requirements contained in subsection (3).
32.Subsection (3) provides that the Scottish Ministers must consult such body representing local authorities as they think fit, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (the Ombudsman), and other persons as they consider appropriate before issuing, varying or revoking guidance.
33.Subsection (4) provides that the Scottish Ministers must publish guidance in such manner as they consider appropriate.
