2(1)Subject to paragraph 3, a levy shall not be issued by the NCIS Service Authority under section 17 in respect of a financial year, unless the Secretary of State has notified the Authority in writing that he approves the total amount of the levies the Authority proposes to issue for that year.
(2)Where the Secretary of State gives an approval under sub-paragraph (1), levies shall not be issued by the Authority in respect of the financial year concerned in excess of the amount so approved.
(3)Before deciding whether to give an approval under sub-paragraph (1), the Secretary of State shall consult—
(a)persons whom he considers to represent the interests of chief officers of police of police forces in England and Wales, and
(b)persons whom he considers to represent the interests of police authorities for areas in England and Wales.
(4)The Secretary of State shall give a copy of any notice sent to the NCIS Service Authority under sub-paragraph (1) to—
(a)each police authority for an area in England and Wales (other than the authority for the metropolitan police district), and
(b)the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District.