(1)The councils of each of the old authorities whose areas will be wholly or partly included in the area of a new principal council shall, as soon as is practicable after the passing of this Act, establish a joint committee (“a transition committee”) to consider and advise on transitional matters.
(2)Each transition committee shall consist of such number of representatives of the authorities by whom it is established as may be agreed between them or, in default of agreement, as may be determined by the Secretary of State.
(3)In making any determination under subsection (2), the Secretary of State shall secure that the number of persons who represent county councils is equal to the number who represent district councils.
(4)A transition committee may co-opt additional persons to serve as members of the committee.
(5)For the purposes of this section a matter is a transitional matter in relation to a new principal council if, in the opinion of the transition committee for that council, it is one which it is expedient for the committee to consider in order to ensure that the council will be able to function effectively as from 1st April 1996.
(6)The Secretary of State may give a direction requiring—
(a)a particular transition committee,
(b)every transition committee falling within a class specified in the direction, or
(c)every transition committee,
to consider any such matter as may be specified in the direction.
(7)Any expenses incurred by a committee established under this section shall be defrayed by the authorities by whom the committee was established in such proportions as may be agreed between them or, in default of agreement, as may be determined by the Secretary of State.