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Written question asked by Jamie Stone (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 April 2026. It was answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh (Labour) on Thursday, 23 April 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Community Councils: Insurance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether their Department intends to explore mechanisms, such as pooled schemes, indemnity funds, or shared‑risk arrangements, to ensure that Community Councils can access protection against high‑cost legal challenges, including Judicial Review.

Answer

Community Councils in Scotland are statutory bodies established under devolved Scottish legislation, and responsibility for their governance, funding arrangements and related guidance rests with the Scottish Government and Scottish local authorities.

As these matters are devolved, my Department has not made any assessment of the adequacy of insurance provision for Community Councils in Scotland, including in relation to the costs of defending Judicial Review proceedings. The Department has not issued any guidance to local authorities in Scotland on these matters, nor does it have plans to develop pooled insurance, indemnity or shared-risk arrangements for Community Councils in Scotland.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
127517
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Community councils Insurance Judicial review
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk