(1)The Welsh Ministers may from time to time publish a statement setting out strategic priorities and objectives for the Authority in carrying out relevant functions relating wholly or mainly to Wales.
(2)The Authority must carry out those functions in accordance with any statement published under this section.
(3)In formulating a statement under this section the Welsh Ministers—
(a)must have regard to the duties imposed on the Authority under section 2,
(b)must have regard to social and environmental matters, and
(c)may have regard to such other matters as the Welsh Ministers think fit.
(4)Before publishing a statement under this section, the Welsh Ministers must consult—
(a)the Authority,
(b)the Council,
(c)relevant undertakers,
(d)licensed water suppliers,
(e)the NRBW,
(f)the Secretary of State,
(g)the Environment Agency, and
(h)anyone else the Welsh Ministers think appropriate.
(5)Before publishing a statement under this section the Welsh Ministers must—
(a)lay a draft of the statement before the Assembly, and
(b)then wait until the end of the 40-day period.
(6)The Welsh Ministers may not publish the statement under this section if, within the 40-day period, the Assembly resolves not to approve it.
(7)“The 40-day period” means the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the draft is laid before the Assembly.
(8)When calculating the 40-day period, ignore any period during which the Assembly is dissolved or is in recess for more than 4 days.
(9)In this section “relevant functions relating wholly or mainly to Wales” means the functions mentioned in section 2(1)(b) so far as they relate to appointment areas wholly or mainly in Wales.
(10)In subsection (9) “appointment area” means an area for which an appointment is held under Chapter 1 of Part 2.]
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 2A, 2B substituted for s. 2A (6.4.2015) by Water Act 2014 (c. 21), ss. 24(1), 94(3); S.I. 2015/773, art. 2(1)(c) (with art. 4)