To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance has been issued to local authorities by (a) her Department and its predecessors and (b) the Audit Commission on the use of surveillance powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 since the Act came into force. (222655)

I have been asked to reply.

No guidance has been issued specifically to local authorities by either Home Office or Audit Commission. The statutory codes of practice and regulations made under the Act provide guidance for public authorities.