USE OF PUBLIC MONEY TO FUND DEFAMATION PROCEEDINGS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Early day motion 1284, tabled 18 April 2013 by Jonathan Edwards (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 6 members.

That this House notes the recent libel case in which the Chief Executive of Carmarthenshire County Council brought defamation proceedings against a county resident; further notes that the Chief Executive's costs were indemnified by the local authority to instigate the legal proceedings contrary to guidance from both the Welsh and UK governments; considers that the authority's action creates a worrying precedent in the future scrutiny of local government; agrees with the sentiments of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government who stated that indemnities to local authority members and officers should be a shield and not a sword; believes it is in the public interest to know the exact costs paid by Carmarthenshire County Council for the case; and further believes that greater clarity is needed from both Welsh and UK governments regarding the use of taxpayers' money by local government in defamation matters.

Signatures by party: Plaid Cymru 3, Labour 2, Conservative 1.