Bevan Brittan supports creation of key local government guidance

Bevan Brittan has assisted three major organisations with the creation of important new joint guidance on the responsibilities of key local government figures.

The national law firm has worked with Lawyers in Local Government (LLG), the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (Solace) on The Code of Practice on Good Governance for Statutory Officers.

The guidance is the result of a year’s work and sets out expectations for Chief Executives, Chief Financial Officers and Monitoring Officers in local authorities. It has just been subject to a consultation process and has now been published and implemented this week.

Philip McCourt, a local government specialist based in Bevan Brittan’s Birmingham office, produced the first draft of the code. The delivery of this  also came shortly after he assisted with a refresh of LLG’s Model Members’ Planning Code & Protocol.

He said: “This is a significant moment in the local government world, with LLG, CIPFA and Solace all coming together for the very first time to create this vital new guidance. The code provides clear information on the expectations for those holding these crucial roles within local authorities, ensuring that they continue to operate to the highest standards.

“We were delighted to assist with this vital work and feel it is a clear demonstration of the knowledge and expertise we possess within the local government space. Local authorities are facing many challenges at present, but this code will provide useful guidance to those in senior positions.”