To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar of 30 October 2008, Official Report, column 1210W, on local government: referendums, whether guidance has been issued by the Cabinet Office to public authorities on the use of public funds by third party groups to campaign to influence a referendum or election. (271162)

I have been asked to reply.

While there are statutory restrictions on election expenditure by or on behalf of a candidate at a local election, and on expenditure incurred by or on behalf of an individual or body in connection with the conduct or management of any campaign conducted with a view to promoting or procuring a particular outcome in a referendum held under part 2 of the Local Government Act 2000, we have not issued guidance to local authorities on the provision of public funding to groups which campaign in local referendums or elections.

The Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity, which all local authorities must have regard to, makes clear that the principles set out in the publicity code, including those pertaining to elections, referendums and petitions should be taken into account by local authorities in decisions on assistance to others to issue publicity.