Members of Douglas Council have no equivalent to parliamentary privilege and should be careful as to what they say.

Councillor John Skinner asked council leader David Christian in a written question what protections were in place for members.

Mr Skinner was particularly concerned with potential civil or legal liability brought about for actions done or statements made in the course of their duties.

In his response, Mr Christian said: ’Douglas Borough Council is a local authority and not a legislative body.

’Members do not enjoy any form of privilege but do have responsibility for their own actions and words.

’The best protection for members against any form of liability is to be careful in what they say and do, and to follow the code of conduct, standing orders and other guidance set out in the council’s constitution.’

In Tynwald and other parliaments, members can say what they like without being sued for defamation. Those words can be reported in the media, since that immunity extends to them as they are reporting what was said in parliament.

A recent example happened in the House of Lords when Lord Hain named Sir Phillip Green as a person facing sexual and racial harassment allegations.

Privilege also applies to court. So the media can report accusations against defendants without the risk of a defamation action.

In the council, Mr Skinner was also concerned as to whether the council provides indemnities for members for any actions taken by committees of which they are part.

Mr Christian said that members ’do not have protection against personal liability arising from actions or decisions by them’.

He added: ’However, their participation in the decision-making process is as part of a collective body rather than as an individual, and as long as proper processes are followed, the question of personal liability should not arise.’

Mr Christian also provided assurances that the council will use its ’best endeavours’ to ensure that polling stations used in the 2020 local authority elections will be accessible for all.

Mr Skinner had asked the council leader what provisions were in place for the election which comes after the activation date of January 1 for the Equality Act 2017 which covers people with disabilities.