§ Mr. Gerald Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to remove any liability for surcharge or disqualification from a councillor who has attempted, but failed, to persuade his authority to conform with the balanced budget requirements of section 2 of the General Rate Act 1967; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldI am not persuaded that further legislation is needed. The existing procedures for repayment of moneys and disqualification, in sections 19 and 20 of the Local Government Finance Act 1982, are aimed only at those who are responsible for incurring or authorising unlawful expenditure or who are responsible for a loss or deficiency caused by their own wilful misconduct.