The F1Welsh Ministers and the Auditor General for Wales may agree on one or more programmes of studies designed to enable the Auditor General for Wales to make recommendations for improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of the functions of registered social landlords F2. . . .

If a programme is agreed, the Auditor General for Wales shall ensure that studies giving effect to the programme are undertaken by him or on his behalf.

It shall be a term of every such programme that the F3Welsh Ministers make good to the Auditor General for Wales the full costs incurred by him in undertaking the programme.

This section does not entitle the Auditor General for Wales to question the merits of the policy objectives of a registered social landlord F2. . . .

A person commits an offence if without reasonable excuse he fails to comply with a requirement imposed under F4paragraph 17(3)(a) or (b) of Schedule 8 to the Government of Wales Act 2006 (requirement to give assistance, information or explanation to the Auditor General for Wales) in relation to a study under this section.

A person guilty of an offence under subsection (6) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

The Auditor General for Wales may disclose to the F5Welsh Ministers information obtained by him or a person acting on his behalf in the course of a study under this section.

“Registered social landlord” means a body which is registered as a social landlord under Chapter 1 of Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996.