8.— (1) If any function of a public authority should, in its opinion, be performed (whether generally or in a particular case) by the Executive and the Executive is able and willing to perform the function, the Executive and that authority may enter into an agreement for the Executive to perform the function on the authority's behalf.

(2) If an agreement is entered into for the Executive to perform a function of a public authority, the Executive may—

(a) perform the function on behalf of the public authority in accordance with the agreement, and

(b) do any act or thing relating to the performance of that function that the public authority would be authorised by law to do if it performed the function.

(3) If any function of the Executive should, in its opinion, be performed (whether generally or in a particular case) by a public authority and that authority is able and willing to perform the function, the authority and the Executive may enter into an agreement for the authority to perform the function on the Executive's behalf.

(4) If an agreement is entered into for a public authority to perform a function of the Executive, the public authority may—

(a) perform the function on the Executive's behalf in accordance with the agreement, and

(b) do any act or thing relating to the performance of that function that the Executive would be authorised by law to do if it performed the function.

(5) An agreement under this section may contain terms and conditions relating to—

(a) the extent to which and the period for which a party to the agreement is authorised to perform the function of the other party to the agreement,

(b) the making of payments or the transfer of financial responsibility, and

(c) such other matters as are considered necessary to give effect to the agreement.

(6) An agreement under this section may provide for charges payable by the party on whose behalf the function is to be performed to the other party to the agreement.

(7) The power of a local authority to enter into an agreement under this section is a reserved function of the local authority.