Where, from failure to observe any of the provisions of this Act or from any other cause, a difficulty arises in carrying into effect any of the provisions of this Act, or where in any case any question arises as to the procedure to be followed, or where any question arises in connection with the election of members of a local authority and no provision is made in this Act for meeting such difficulty or determining such question, it shall be lawful for the local authority or any seven local government electors for the area of the authority or the proper officer of the authority, or in the case of a question relating to an election of members of a local authority for the returning officer at the election, to make application to the sheriff setting forth the circumstances and after such intimation and inquiry as to the sheriff seems proper, the sheriff may give such directions as in his judgment will enable the provisions of this Act to be complied with as nearly as possible or determine the question as the case may be, and may make such order as seems proper to him with reference to the expenses in connection with the application and the persons by whom such expenses are payable.

Subject to any order made by the sheriff, all expenses incurrred in connection with any application under the preceding subsection shall be defrayed as part of the general expenses of the authority.