Section 176 | Consultation with representative organisations

(1)Subject to subsection (2) below, before making—

(a)regulations relating to housing benefit or council tax benefit (other than regulations of which the effect is to increase any amount specified in regulations previously made);^F1F2

(aa)regulations under section 69 of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000;^F3

(b)an order under any provision of Part VIII above,^F1F4

the Secretary of State shall consult with organisations appearing to him to be representative of the authorities concerned.

(2)Nothing in subsection (1) above shall require the Secretary of State to undertake consultations if—

(a)it appears to him that by reason of the urgency of the matter it is inexpedient to do so; or

(b)the organisations have agreed that consultations should not be undertaken.

(3)Where the Secretary of State has undertaken such consultations, he may make any regulations or order to which the consultations relate without completing the consultations if it appears to him that by reason of the urgency of the matter it is expedient to do so.