Functions conferred by this Order on the returning officer, in relation to the area of a constituent council, shall be discharged by the person who is for the time being the returning officer for the area of that council by virtue of section 35 (returning officers: local elections) of the 1983 Act, as modified by Schedule 2 or (in the case of a combined poll) Schedule 4 to this Order.

It is the returning officer's general duty at the election to do all such acts and things as may be necessary for effectually conducting the election in the manner provided by this Order.

The returning officer must also appoint and pay any such persons as may be necessary for the purpose of the counting of the votes.