s 8 Powers of local authority in relation to the provision of childcare
(1) An English local authority may— (a) assist any person who provides or proposes to provide childcare; (b) make arrangements with any other person for the provision of childcare; (c) ... provide childcare. (2) The assistance which a local authority may give under subsection (1)(a) includes financial assistance; and the arrangements which a local authority may make under subsection (1)(b) include arrangements involving the provision of financial assistance by the authority. (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (6) In exercising their functions under this section, an English local authority must have regard to any guidance given from time to time by the Secretary of State.