[145CStudies relating to registered social landlordsU.K.
(1) The [ Welsh Ministers ] and the Auditor General for Wales may agree on one or more programmes of studies designed to enable the Auditor General for Wales to make recommendations for improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of the functions of registered social landlords . . . .
(2)If a programme is agreed, the Auditor General for Wales shall ensure that studies giving effect to the programme are undertaken by him ....
(3)It shall be a term of every such programme that the [Welsh Ministers] [pay to the Wales Audit Office a sum in respect of the costs incurred (which may not exceed the full cost incurred in undertaking the programme), in accordance with a scheme for charging fees prepared under section 24 of the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2013].
(4) This section does not entitle the Auditor General for Wales to question the merits of the policy objectives of a registered social landlord . . . .
(5)Where a study is undertaken under this section by the Auditor General for Wales or on his behalf, he may arrange for a report containing—
(a)the results of the study, and
(b)his recommendations (if any),
to be laid before the Assembly.
(6)A person commits an offence if without reasonable excuse he fails to comply with a requirement imposed under [paragraph 17(3)(a) or (b) of Schedule 8 to the Government of Wales Act 2006 (requirement to give assistance, information or explanation to the Auditor General for Wales)] in relation to a study under this section.
(7)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (6) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.
(8)The Auditor General for Wales may disclose to the [Welsh Ministers] information obtained by him or a person acting on his behalf in the course of a study under this section.
[(9) “ Registered social landlord ” means a body which is registered as a social landlord under Chapter 1 of Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996. ]]
[(10)In this section, a reference to a person acting on behalf of the Auditor General for Wales is a reference to a person acting on the Auditor's behalf by virtue of a delegation made under section 18 of the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2013.]