(1)In preparing a draft multi-area agreement in accordance with a direction under section 125, the responsible authority must consult—
(a)each of the other local authorities for the proposed area,
(b)each partner authority for that area, and
(c)such other persons as appear to it to be appropriate.
(2)In preparing the draft, the responsible authority must co-operate with—
(a)each of the other local authorities for the proposed area, and
(b)each partner authority for that area,
in determining the improvement targets relating to that local authority or partner authority that are to be specified in the draft.
(3)In preparing the draft, the responsible authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.
(4)In determining the improvement targets relating to it which are to be specified in the draft, each of the other local authorities, and each partner authority, for the proposed area must—
(a)co-operate with the responsible authority, and
(b)have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.