If the Secretary of State is satisfied that any local authority has failed, without reasonable excuse, to comply with any of the duties imposed on them by or under this Act he may make an order declaring that authority to be in default with respect to that duty.
An order under subsection (1) shall give the Secretary of State's reasons for making it.
An order under subsection (1) may contain such directions for the purpose of ensuring that the duty is complied with, within such period as may be specified in the order, as appear to the Secretary of State to be necessary.
Any such direction shall, on the application of the Secretary of State, be enforceable by mandamus.