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PART IVHANDLING AND CONSIDERATION OF REPRESENTATIONS

Representations made by “other persons” under section 26(3)(e) of the Act

13.—(1) Where a local authority receive representations from a complainant falling within section 26(3)(e) of the Act, they must as soon as possible decide whether that person has a sufficient interest in the welfare of the child concerned to warrant the representations being considered by the local authority.

(2) In reaching a decision under paragraph (1) the local authority must take into account the ascertainable views of the child concerned.

(3) If the local authority decide that the complainant does have sufficient interest then they shall consider the representations.

(4) If the local authority decide that the complainant does not have sufficient interest then they must notify the complainant of the decision and that no further action will be taken to consider the representations.

(5) The local authority must notify the child concerned of the decision made under paragraph (1) if they consider it appropriate to do so having regard to the understanding of the child.