Part 2Regulation of Social Housing
Chapter 6Regulatory powers
Standards
197I1Direction by Secretary of State
1
The Secretary of State may direct the regulator—
a
to set a standard under section 193,
b
about the content of standards under section 193, or
c
to have regard to specified objectives when setting standards under section 193 or 194.
2
The Secretary of State may give a direction under subsection (1)(a) or (b) only if it relates, in the Secretary of State's opinion, to—
a
quality of accommodation,
b
rent, or
c
involvement by tenants in the management by registered providers of accommodation.
3
In deciding whether to give a direction the Secretary of State shall, in particular, have regard to the regulator's fundamental objectives.
4
Before giving a direction the Secretary of State must consult—
a
the regulator,
b
the HCA,
c
the Audit Commission for Local Authorities and the National Health Service in England,
d
one or more bodies appearing to the Secretary of State to represent the interests of local housing authorities,
F1da
any body for the time being nominated under section 278A,
e
one or moreF2other bodies appearing to the Secretary of State to represent the interests of tenants of social housing, and
f
one or more bodies appearing to the Secretary of State to represent the interests of registered providers.
5
Before giving a direction about a standard which would apply to charities the Secretary of State must consult the Charity Commission.
6
A direction may disapply the requirement to consult under section 196 in relation to specified matters.
7
The regulator shall comply with any direction.
8
The Secretary of State shall publish—
a
each proposed direction that is the subject of a consultation,
b
each response to a consultation, and
c
each direction.