s 38 Local authority
(1) A local authority may in accordance with arrangements made by the Secretary of State— (a) assist in arranging for the provision of an accommodation centre; (b) make premises available for an accommodation centre; (c) provide services in connection with an accommodation centre. (2) In particular, a local authority may— (a) incur reasonable expenditure; (b) provide services outside its area; (c) provide services jointly with another body; (d) form a company; (e) tender for or enter into a contract; (f) do anything (including anything listed in paragraphs (a) to (e)) for a preparatory purpose. (3) In this section “ local authority ” means— (a) a local authority within the meaning of section 94 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (c. 33), and (b) a Northern Ireland authority within the meaning of section 110 of that Act and an Education and Library Board established under Article 3 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 ( S.I. 1986/ 594 (N.I. 3)).