Subject to subsections (3) and (3A) below, where the powers conferred by section 14 or 15 above on a non-metropolitan district council are not exercised by that council, they may be exercised by the county council—
Subject to subsection (3) below, where the powers conferred by section 14(1) above on a metropolitan district council or London borough council or Welsh county council or county borough council or the Common Council of the City of London are not exercised by that council, they may be exercised by the appropriate agency—
and any expenses incurred by the appropriate agency in exercising those powers shall be recoverable from the council concerned by the appropriate agency summarily as a civil debt.
Where the council to whom a notice has been given for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) or (2)(b) above—
the powers to which the notice relates shall not be exercised in pursuance of the notice by the county council or, as the case may be, the appropriate agency unless it is confirmed by the Secretary of State.
Subsection (1) above does not apply in relation to powers conferred on a Welsh county council or county borough council.