Section 5 — Transfer of claims to the Secretary of State

(1) The Secretary of State may direct a local policing body to transfer to the Secretary of State either or both of the following functions—

(a) dealing with procedural matters on a claim;

(b) making a decision on a claim.

(2) A direction under this section may relate to—

(a) all claims to the local policing body (whether made before or after the time of the direction), or

(b) claims of a particular description.

(3) The Secretary of State may make a direction only if—

(a) riots have occurred in two or more police areas at or about the same time,

(b) a riot has moved from one police area to another, or

(c) a local policing body has requested the Secretary of State to make a direction in respect of claims that have been or may be made to it.

(4) Before making a direction in the circumstances described in subsection (3)(a) or (b), the Secretary of State must consult all local policing bodies that may be affected by the direction.

(5) The Secretary of State must publish a direction made under this section.