(1)In exercising their functions in relation to the provision of financial support for qualifying activities, HEFCW must have regard to the desirability of not discouraging any institution for whose activities financial support is provided under this Part from maintaining or developing its funding from other sources.
(2)Before exercising their discretion under section 86(1)(a) or (b) with respect to the terms and conditions to be imposed in relation to any grants, loans or other payments, HEFCW must consult such of the following bodies as appear to them to be appropriate to consult in the circumstances—
(a)such bodies representing the interests of eligible institutions as appear to HEFCW to be concerned, and
(b)the governing body of any particular eligible institution which appears to HEFCW to be concerned.
(3)In exercising their functions in relation to the provision of financial support for qualifying activities HEFCW must have regard (so far at they think it relevant to do so in the light of any other relevant considerations) to the desirability of maintaining—
(a)what appears to them to be an appropriate balance in the support given to them as between institutions which are of a denominational character and other institutions, and
(b)any distinctive characteristics of any eligible institution for whose activities financial support is provided under this Part.
(4)In exercising their functions HEFCW must take such steps as appear to them appropriate to secure that the governing body of any institution which provides a course of initial teacher training funded by HEFCW makes available such information relating to the course, in such manner and to such persons, as HEFCW may require.
(5)Subsection (1) does not affect the power by virtue of section 86(3) to impose conditions prohibiting or restricting the charging of fees.