7.—(1) Contributions towards expenditure incurred by a local housing authority in providing assistance may be paid by the appropriate Minister.
(2) The rate or rates of the contributions, the calculation of the expenditure to which they relate and the manner of their payment shall be determined by the appropriate Minister.
(3) A determination under paragraph (2)—
(a)may be made generally or with respect to a particular local housing authority or description of authority, including a description framed by reference to authorities in a particular area, and
(b)may make different provision in relation to different cases or descriptions of case.
(4) Contributions under this article shall be payable subject to such conditions as to records, certificates, audit or otherwise as the appropriate Minister may impose.
(5) Where the appropriate Minister is the Secretary of State, the consent of the Treasury is required before any determination is made under paragraph (2) or any conditions are imposed under paragraph (4).