Parliament has approved the indemnification of members of the Planning Appeals Tribunal.
Lawmakers voted on Wednesday on a government motion introduced by the Minister for Planning Jay Ebanks.
Ebanks said the ministry had found that because of growing litigation risks and costs, competent and experienced people were reluctant to serve as members of the tribunal unless they were protected by comprehensive liability insurance.
Under the Public Management Finance Act, such a deed of indemnity for members of the board of the tribunal has to be granted to by Parliament.
The motion was supported by the Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart who called it a reflection of “changing times” and “a far more litigious world”.
He said the Planning Appeals Tribunal was just one of several tribunals, statutory authorities and government companies “where board members are seeking some assurances or protection from potential litigation”.
Premier Wayne Panton agreed with the leader of the Opposition that the deeds of indemnity should be kept consistent across government entities as much as possible.
He added, “I think it is implicit that anyone who acts in bad faith is not going to get the benefit of these indemnities”.
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