(1)A designated body (“A”) may, with the approval of the Secretary of State, enter into an agreement with another designated body (“B”) authorising B to perform a function of A that is related to or connected with a DEFRA [F1or DESNZ] function—

(a)either in relation to the whole of England or in relation to specified areas in England;

(b)subject to paragraph (a), either generally or in specified cases.

• “Specified” means specified in the agreement.

(2)The Secretary of State's approval may be given—

(a)in relation to a particular agreement or in relation to a description of agreements;

(b)unconditionally or subject to conditions specified in the approval.

(3)Subject to subsection (5), the Secretary of State—

(a)must review an agreement under this section no later than the end of the period of 5 years beginning with the date on which the agreement was entered into or was last reviewed by the Secretary of State, and

(b)if it appears appropriate to do so in the light of the review, may cancel the agreement.

(4)Subject to subsection (5), an agreement under this section may not be varied except—

(a)by agreement between A and B, and

(b)with the approval of the Secretary of State.

(5)An approval given under subsection (1) may provide that subsection (3) or (4) does not apply (or that both of them do not apply).

(6)This section is subject to sections 81 and 82 (reserved functions and maximum duration of agreement).