(1) A local education authority shall determine, in respect of each financial year, whether regulation 3 is to apply to them in relation to that year; and, if it is to apply to them in that year, whether it is to do so–
(a) generally, or
(b) only in the cases of eligible persons who satisfy such criteria as may be determined by the authority.
(2) An authority shall make a determination under paragraph (1)–
(a) in relation to the 1999–2000 financial year, as soon after the coming into force of these Regulations as is reasonably practicable and, in any event, by no later than 31st March 1999; and
(b) in relation to every subsequent financial year, in the period of twelve months ending with the first day of that year.
(3) No determination under paragraph (1) in relation to any financial year shall affect the continued obligation of the authority to make payments under a post-compulsory education award granted in respect of an eligible person before the date on which the determination takes effect.
(4) Immediately after a local education authority have made a determination under paragraph (1) in relation to any financial year, they shall take such steps as they consider reasonable to bring the effect of the determination to the attention of those persons likely to be affected by it.