§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister in respect of what offences local authorities may act as prosecuting authorities; what decision-making procedures are used by local authorities in respect of charges; and if he will place in the Library the code for prosecutors and charging standards that is used. [88471]
§ Mr. LeslieLocal authorities may act as prosecuting authorities in respect of a very wide range of regulatory functions, such as trading standards and environmental health, and their own byelaws. In deciding whether to prosecute, authorities should have regard to the Crown Prosecution Service Code of Practice for Crown Prosecutors, which is already available in the Library of the House. In addition the Cabinet Office and the Local Government Association have drawn up an Enforcement Concordat for adoption by authorities and for some functions statutory Codes of Practice are in force.