§ Mr. Patrick HallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what guidance he has issued to local authorities on the use of 963W public funds to support costs incurred by council officers who have pursued libel actions; and what plans he has to review such guidance. [42666]
§ Dr. WhiteheadNo guidance has been issued to local authorities. However, section 101 of the Local Government Act 2000 makes provision for the Secretary of State, by order, to give local authorities a power to provide indemnities to their members and officers. We intend to consult on the scope of this power in due course. The consultation paper will clarify the circumstances in which authorities will be allowed to indemnify their members and officers against costs that they might incur.