Where a local authority consider it expedient for the promotion or protection of the interests of the inhabitants of their area or any part thereof, they may institute, defend or appear in any legal proceedings or represent the inhabitants at any local inquiry held by or on behalf of any Minister or public body under any enactment.

Any member or officer of a local authority, who is authorised in that behalf by the authority, shall be entitled to institute, defend or appear in proceedings before a court of summary jurisdiction although he is not a practising solicitor.