The number of members to be appointed to a joint authority by a constituent council F1. . . shall be the number specified for that council F1. . . in relation to that authority in Schedule 10 to this Act.

Subject to subsection (3) below, the Secretary of State may by order make alterations in the numbers for the time being specified in that Schedule, including alterations resulting in an increase or decrease in the total number of members of any joint authority.

In making any alternation in the number of members to be appointed to a joint authority by any of its constituent councils the Secretary of State shall have regard to the number of local government electors in the areas of those councils respectively; F1. . ..

The Secretary of State shall consult a joint authority’s constituent councils before making any order in respect of that authority under subsection (2) above.