229.—(1) A local authority may enter into a contract with any person in respect of any matter arising in relation to the functions of the local authority.

(2) A local authority shall comply with guidelines issued by the Minister or other Minister of the Government in regard to contracts or the seeking, reception and examination of tenders.

(3) Any contract or instrument which, if entered into or executed by an individual, is not required to be under seal may be entered into or executed on behalf of the local authority by the F284[chief executive] in accordance with section 149(5) or by an employee generally or specially nominated by order of the F284[chief executive] for that purpose.

(4) A local authority may from time to time engage such consultants, advisers or other persons as it considers necessary for the discharge of its functions.

(5) This section shall not be read so as to limit the scope of section 65 in relation to the ancillary functions of local authorities.

(6) This section shall not be read so as to permit the exercise of a reserved function of a local authority other than by a local authority.