28/03/2024
Welcome to the March edition of LA View – a monthly update summarising recent Government publications, legislation, cases and other developments relevant to those involved in the local authority sector.
LA Spotlight
Deprivation of Liberty – reducing the cost of applications
Local authorities will now be well accustomed to engaging with the Court of Protection on behalf of vulnerable people. The Court of Protection is needed to authorise a deprivation of liberty for anyone who is aged 16 or over living in community setting and receiving a package of care, regardless of whether this is contested or not. The responsibility for obtaining the authorisation lies with the commissioner; in some cases, this may be an Integrated Care Board (or may be joint with an ICB) but in many cases, the responsibility will lie with the local authority.
In response to concerns about the costs of applications for the approval of community placements in which there is no disagreement about suitability, the Court of Protection set up the streamlined process which can approve these placements without contested hearings.
The streamlined process, however, is not without costs – and without pressures on staff. The application documents still have to be drafted, court fees still have to be paid and applications still have to be processed. In order for the Court to consider the application, the local authority needs to provide The normal cost of such an application, even if managed and undertaken by a junior lawyer could easily run to several thousand pounds per case and for a typical organisation making fifty applications per year, this could cost easily over £250,000. It is important that the Court is given the correct information and correct documentation to be able to consider the application or further time may be required and more costs incurred.
In response to this, we have created a secure, web based portal service to streamline and simplify the process. Front-line staff complete a questionnaire which guides them through what information is required. Early advice is provided to confirm whether the case is suitable for processing through the portal. The portal enables local authorities to determine how much of the work will be undertaken by their teams and how much will be carried out by Bevan Brittan.
Once the documentation is finalised, this is reviewed by a qualified lawyer prior to submission to the Court. The portal also offers a tracking and review facility so that local authorities can monitor their applications and see where in the process these are.
Of particular benefit, the portal process is a fixed fee process and can reduce the overall cost for these applications by around 80% when compared to the costs of applications being managed by a junior lawyer.
If you would like to learn more about this service, please contact us.
Net Zero
Navigating the Impact of the Energy Act 2023: Carbon Capture and Hydrogen
The Energy Act 2023, having received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023, represented a landmark legislative overhaul with profound implications for the UK's energy sector. It is a significant milestone designed to address the dynamic energy sector's evolving needs and promote sustainability.
In this article we summarise some of the key issues regarding the carbon capture and hydrogen aspects of the Act. These new powers and regulations will support in the continued evolution of the hydrogen and CCS such projects keeps pace with the markets aspiration for delivering a robust hydrogen and CCS system and economy.
Low Carbon Business Model
Acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between government funding and private sector investment, the Energy Act 2023 seeks to establish a sustainable commercial framework ensuring long-term revenue certainty for low carbon projects. Introducing innovative business models, the Act aims to incentivize private investments in low-carbon industries, ensuring a collaborative approach to fostering environmental sustainability.
Industrial Carbon Capture and Low Carbon Hydrogen
Granting significant powers to the Secretary of State, the Act allows for expenditure and financial assistance, supporting the establishment of CCUS and low carbon hydrogen production. This proactive stance underscores the government's commitment to propelling advancements in cleaner energy technologies, bridging the gap between policy and practical implementation.
Hydrogen Transport and Storage
Empowering the Secretary of State to designate a counterparty for contracts with hydrogen transport and storage providers, the Act outlines a comprehensive framework. Extending the financial support mechanism of the hydrogen production levy to allow for revenue support for hydrogen transport and storage as well as enabling the allocation of a regulated asset base (RAB), overseen by an independent regulator, to facilitate and support the financing of certain hydrogen and CCS pipeline projects.
The Energy Act 2023 unfolds as a comprehensive legislative framework poised to reshape the UK's hydrogen and CCS sectors (which are increasingly likely to interlink and interface). Understanding and navigating the intricacies of this legislation is paramount, as the energy landscape evolves.
If you would like to know how Bevan Brittan could help, please do get in touch with one of our Energy and commercial specialists Nadeem Arshard, Nathan Bradberry or Rupert Lugg.
Publications & Guidance
Details of Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero | 29 February 2024
In February 2024, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, to be delivered by Salix Finance.
A funding pot of £1.17bn for public sector decarbonisation was confirmed in December 2023 for public sector decarbonisation:
- £670m available in 2025 to 2026
- £300m in 2026 to 2027
- £200m in 2027- 2028
Up to £335m of the funding for 2025 to 2026 is now being allocated to the second year of Phase 3c.
Boost for UK hydrogen as government backs world-leading industry
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero | 27 February 2024
Low carbon hydrogen to get a further boost with over £21m of government support for seven projects to make green fuel from Suffolk to Shetland. The projects will produce green fuel for buses, trucks and trains, while also supporting local businesses move away from natural gas. An announcement was made at the second Hydrogen Investor Forum, with industry leaders gathering to discuss growing economic opportunities in the UK.
Open call for evidence: Green Industries Growth Accelerator: hydrogen and CCUS supply chains
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero | 27 February 2024
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero are seeking evidence to help inform the design of the hydrogen and CCUS Green Industries Growth Accelerator supply chain fund. This call for evidence closes at 11:59pm on 23 April 2024.
Offshore Energies UK launches 2024 industry manifesto: Choose a homegrown energy transition
OEUK | 26 February 2024
Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) published its industry manifesto, showing how a home grown energy transition built on private sector investment will be good for jobs, economic growth and communities across the UK. OEUK note this is the exciting opportunity the UK must take, not waste in a general election year.
The agenda-setting proposals show how a new era of home grown energy could power the UK’s journey to net zero if private investment conditions are right. The Office for Budget Responsibility says net zero will cost the UK £1.4 trillion and the lion’s share must come from industry. OEUK’s manifesto shows how this investment can be unlocked by policymakers.
Alternative Energy Markets Innovation Programme: Phase 2 projects
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero | 23 February 2024
Phase 2 of the Alternative Energy Markets Innovation Programme will support the delivery of real world demonstrators, which will test demand side flexibility propositions developed in Phase 1 in a real world setting, demonstrating the impact of propositions and potential benefit to the electricity grid and to consumers under various scenarios.
UK departs Energy Charter Treaty
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero | 22 February 2024
The UK government confirms its withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty after efforts to agree vital modernisation fail.
- European countries have been unable to reach agreement on modernisation of the Energy Charter Treaty.
- UK joins France, Spain and the Netherlands in withdrawing from the Treaty.
- Strong legal framework is already in place to ensure continued investment in UK energy sector.
Local net zero: central support for local authorities and communities
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero | 2 February 2024
Government provides a range of support to help local areas decarbonise. This includes:
- the Local Net Zero Accelerator Programme;
- the Local Net Zero Hubs Programme;
- funding for Net Zero Go, an on-line platform to provide councils with information to develop locally focused net zero projects; and
- funding for Community Energy projects.
News
Demand for heat pumps surges as grant application increase by 39% - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero | 29 February 2024
- Figures show applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme are up 39% on January 2023
- The Scheme has issued more than £133m in vouchers to customers
- This follows grants increasing to £7,500, making the Scheme one of the most generous of its kind in Europe.
Legal Battle Over DHLUC's Home Energy Efficiency Directive (edie.net)
Edie | 28 February 2024
UK Government faces legal challenge over home energy efficiency standards. The Good Law project has launched a legal challenge to the UK Government’s mooted plans to limit local councils from setting energy efficiency standards that go above and beyond national policy requirements.
Gatwick slashes its vehicle emissions after switching to HVO - AirQualityNews
Air Quality News | 27 February 2024
London Gatwick has revealed that by using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in their diesel vehicles they have reduced their carbon emissions by 90%, a saving of more than 950 tonnes annually.
Local Government Chronical | 27 February 2024
The government faces a fresh legal challenge over whether councils can demand higher energy efficiency for new homes than are required in national standards. The Good Law Project has supported Rights Community Action to take legal action the government’s latest position, which campaigners argue prevents councils from pursuing innovative approaches to reaching net zero targets.
UK’s net zero economy grew 9% in 2023, report finds | Green economy | The Guardian
The Guardian | 27 February 2024
The UK’s net zero economy grew by 9% in 2023, a report has revealed, in stark contrast to the 0.1% growth seen in the economy overall. Nevertheless, the report pointed out that strong future growth from green businesses was being put at risk by government policy reversals, lack of investment and competition from the EU and US.
Net-zero-homes proposal ‘could lower standards’ | Construction News
Construction News | 26 February 2024
A coalition of built environment groups have said the government’s net-zero housing plans do not go far enough. Low Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI), a network of 1,000 professionals in the sector, says the Future Homes Standard could see housing built to lower environmental standards than today.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is consulting on plans to allow the Building Safety Regulator or local authorities to allow developments not to meet Regulation 26 of Part L of the Building Regulations if they “judge the requirement to be unreasonable in relation to that specific building work”. Regulation 26, which is already law, is a requirement not to exceed the target CO2 emission rate for the building, calculated using the national methodologies.
The department said in a consultation document published in December that unlike fire-safety or structural requirements, Regulation 26 cannot currently be “relaxed or dispensed with” by councils or regulators, due to its origins in EU law.
Legal win for Oxfordshire garden village net zero plans - BBC News
Client Earth | 20 February 2024
Planning inspectors acted unlawfully when advising a council on building energy efficient homes, a judge ruled.
Climate group, Rights Community Action, had challenged a decision to "water down" the net zero ambitions of West Oxfordshire District Council. The High Court ruling found inspectors incorrectly applied national planning policy to proposals for 2,200 homes in Salt Cross Garden Village. The Planning Inspectorate has declined to comment.
UK Government in High Court over ‘inadequate’ climate action plan – again | ClientEarth
Client Earth | 20 February 2024
Three organisations have taken the government to the High Court on 20 February over its weak and inadequate climate plan. This is the second time the three organisations – Friends of the Earth, ClientEarth and Good Law Project – have taken legal action over the government’s plan for meeting its legally-binding climate targets.
UK on Making Carbon Neutral and Net Zero Claims (natlawreview.com)
The National Law Review | 15 February 2024
On February 10, the UK’s advertising regulator, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), announced the publication of updated guidance for advertisers making environmental sustainability-related claims to consumers, including use of the terms “carbon neutral” and “net zero.” The ASA explained that the amended guidance reflects the “key principles of the Competition and Markets Authority’s guidance on environmental claims on goods and services” and that “in light of the low understanding and lack of consensus around the meaning of carbon neutral and net zero claims, the Committees of Advertising Practice and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice advise advertisers to take into account the following guidance, which draws on key principles of the Competition and Markets Authority guidance, and, if followed, means that claims are less likely to mislead.”
UK strengthens collaboration on energy security and fusion - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero | 14 February 2024
The Energy Security Secretary, Claire Coutinho, met with European allies last month to discuss plans to transition away from Russian liquefied natural gas following the UK’s lead.
At a ministerial meeting of the International Energy Agency in Paris, the Secretary of State also signed a landmark new fusion partnership with Canada, bringing the UK a step closer to developing a near limitless source of clean energy.
The Memorandum of Understanding with Canada on fusion energy will seek to improve collaboration on research and development, harmonise the approach to regulation, and develop the workforce and skills base. This will strengthen cooperation between the UK and Canada to support the deployment of fusion worldwide. It will also support the UK’s £650m fusion programme, cementing the UK as a world leader in this innovative technology.
UK first major economy to halve emissions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero | 6 February 2024
- The UK is the first major economy to halve its emissions – having cut them by 50% between 1990 and 2022, while also growing its economy by 79% - new official statistics released on 6 February 2024 confirm. This compares to a 23% reduction in France and no change in the USA between 1990 and 2021.
- With renewables now accounting for more than 40% of the country’s electricity – up from just 7% in 2010, this shows the UK is leading the way on cleaner energy.
Council for Net Zero Transport to steer UK transport decarbonisation
Fleetworld | 1 February 2024
A new Council for Net Zero Transport comprising senior stakeholders has launched in the UK to steer the decarbonisation transition as it moves into the crucial delivery phase.
Delivering Value
Key takeaways
The Procurement Act 2023 is due to come into force in October 2024 following a formal six-month preparation period due to start in March.
The related secondary legislation is still to be finalised, but is available in draft. The draft Transparency Regulations are in particular worth reviewing at this stage to understand the level of information that will need to be included in future notices.
The Central Digital Platform for suppliers is due to be available before the Act comes into force. Suppliers will need to access this and upload their information to be able to bid in procurements from October 2024.
Authorities will be able to use one of two procurement procedures for competitive processes: Open Procedure and Competitive Flexible Procedure. Direct awards will be available in certain circumstances – please see our full article at In-house Insights: Procurement | Bevan Brittan LLP for further information.
The number of notices that must or may be published by authorities in respect of procurement plans and decisions will significantly increase. While this means greater transparency for suppliers, for contracting authorities it means that work needs to be done in the lead up to October 2024 to ensure procurement teams are aware of their obligations.
Some notices in particular will require forward planning at this stage Further information is available at In-house Insights: Procurement | Bevan Brittan LLP.
The Cabinet Office will be producing precedent notices for use by contracting authorities. Contract management will be regulated to some degree by the Procurement Act 2023 and good contract performance will become significantly more important to suppliers’ ability to win future contracts. For all contracts with a value over £5m, authorities will have to set and publish three KPIs and then publish their assessment of compliance with these KPIs at least annually in a Contract Performance Notice.
In addition, under s.71(5), authorities will have to publish any instances of sufficiently serious breach of contract or performance failure by their suppliers for any regulated public contract (except Light Touch contracts). Other authorities will be able to exclude bidders from procurement processes if a s.71(5) notice has been published in respect of any other contract and that authority considers that the circumstances giving rise to the exclusion ground are likely to occur again.
There will be an obligation on authorities to identify any potential or actual conflicts of interest in relation to a procurement and to take reasonable steps to mitigate these. This could include requiring a supplier to take steps to mitigate conflicts.
The conflict of interest rules will also cover any person acting for or on behalf of a contracting authority, including a person who influences a decision made by or on behalf of a contracting authority.
Authorities will be required before advertising a contract to prepare an conflicts assessment, which will then need to be kept under review and updated throughout the life cycle of the contract.
If you’d like further information about the Procurement Act 2023, our Talking Heads series is a good starting point, or feel free to contact any of our procurement specialists who will be happy to help. The Cabinet Office is also regularly publishing information on its website.
Publications & Guidance
Consultation outcome: Children's social care providers: fees and inspections 2024
Department for Education | 8 March 2024
A summary of responses received and the government’s response to the consultation and next steps. The full consultation outcome: Fees and frequency of inspection regulations 2024 to 2025: government consultation response
LGA publishes letter to Chancellor on extension of the Household Support Fund
Local Government Association | 5 March 2024
The Local Government Association (LGA) has coordinated and published a cross-party open letter, signed by LGA Chair, Shaun Davies, and LGA's political group leaders, calling on the government to extend the Household Support Fund for at least another year. LGA reported that an urgent call was made by more than 170 council leaders for urgent extension of the Household Support Fund, which expires at the end of March 2024. LGA’s Resources Board Chair, Pete Marland, has said that 'without an urgent extension of this funding for at least a year, there is a risk of more households falling into financial crisis, homelessness and poverty'.
DHSC publishes response to report on integrating primary and community care
Department of Health & Social Care | 1 March 2024
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published the government’s response to the House of Lords committee’s report titled, 'Patients at the centre: integrating primary and community care'. The response has welcomed the committee’s recommendations and addresses recommendations concerning structure and organisation, contract and funding, system and data sharing and, lastly, workforce and training. The DHSC has said that it will continue to monitor progress of integrated care systems through collaboration with organisations including the NHS and Care Quality Commission, and has emphasised progress of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan. The government’s response also highlights continued support for better integration of health and care.
DHSC consultation on information standards for health and adult social care
Department of Health & Social Care | 15 February 2024
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a consultation into the preparation and publication of information standards for health and adult social care in England under section 250 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 as amended by the Health and Care Act 2022 (HCA 2022). The HCA 2022, once commenced, will make information standards binding and extend standards so they apply to private health and adult social care providers. The deadline for responses is 28 March 2024.
DfE publishes guidance on wraparound childcare
Department for Education | 8 February 2024
The Department for Education has published non-statutory guidance for schools and academy trusts educating primary-school aged children, about supporting parents’ access to wraparound childcare. The guidance includes the expectation of schools and trusts delivering wraparound advice, on supporting parents’ access, monitoring and managing costs, and the overall benefits of wraparound childcare.
News
Average council tax rate up 5.1% next year | Local Government Chronicle (LGC) (lgcplus.com)
Local Government Chronicle | 21 March 2024
The average band D council tax rate set by local authorities in England is £106 more for 2024-25, new government data has revealed. Data published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities showed how residents in these properties will pay £2,171 on average in council tax next year, including the adult social care and parish precepts.
Local Government Chronicle | 15 March 2024
A lack of transparency over the distribution of levelling up funds has “wasted scarce public resources and caused some local authorities to miss out”, according to an influential committee of MPs, the cross-party Commons Public Accounts Committee.
Budget ‘disappointing’ for councils sector says
Public Finance | 6 March 2024
Devolution deals and extra cost-of-living support were welcomed, but the Budget failed to address systemic funding issues in local government, sector bodies have warned.
London council pays out £6,000 after it ‘forgot’ sofa-surfing homeless family
Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman | 29 February 2024
The Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has reported that Waltham Forest Council did not take sufficient steps to help a family find interim and temporary accommodation. Waltham Forest Council missed telephone appointments and 'forgot' about the family resulting in the family being forced to sofa surf for 12 months. The Council has agreed to apologise to the family and pay a total of £6,000 for the time the family spent without interim accommodation.
Devon to review benefits calculations for nearly 300 carers following Ombudsman’s investigation
Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman | 22 February 2024
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has reported that Devon County Council will review how it calculated allowances to nearly 300 families who look after children as special guardians. This comes after an investigation by the LGSCO found the council was wrongly deducting child benefit from all special guardians receiving universal credit. These families will receive a sum equivalent to any deductions wrongly made.
Woman left trapped in home because of poor council assisted bin collection service
Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman | 20 February 2024
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has reported that it has investigated three complaints made by a resident of Thurrock Council after bins were not returned to their proper place by the assisted bin collection service. LGSCO found that the misplaced bins resulted in the resident, a wheelchair user, being trapped in their home. LGSCO said that Thurrock Council has agreed to review bin complaints to ascertain whether it has any persistent issues with the bin collection service that has been offered to those with disabilities.
Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman | 8 February 2024
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has reported that Farrington Care Limited has refused to refund the cost of care a family paid for the seven weeks their relative was a client despite findings of significant failings in the relative’s care. The LGSCO investigated into a family’s complaint after the council’s safeguarding investigation found evidence of neglect and omissions in the care provided. The LGSCO recommended the home reimburse for all fees paid for the seven weeks, the fees deducted for a notice period and a further £350 in recognition of the distress and uncertainty caused. The home has refused to pay the remedy and the LGSCO has issued an Adverse Findings Notice against the nursing home.
Place & Growth
Managing Fire Safety in occupied higher-risk buildings – key changes to duties under and enforcement of Part 4 of the Building Safety Act 2022 from 16 January 2024
16 January 2024 marked the introduction of The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No.6) Regulations 2025, bringing into force a number of key provisions in Part 4 (the occupation stage) of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022).
These Regulations provide much anticipated detail around the duties imposed on any Principal Accountable Person (PAP) and / or Accountable Person (AP) in relation to occupied residential higher-risk buildings (HRB) in England.
In England, for the purpose of Part 4 of the BSA (the occupation stage), a HRB is any structure that:
- Has at least two residential units, and
- Stands at either a minimum height of 18 meters or seven storeys.
It is important that any local authorities who are responsible for the repair and maintenance of common parts of any buildings that meet the above criteria are aware of and comply with these duties.
In brief, key new provisions include:
- The assessment and management of building safety risks and the Safety Case Report
- The application and issue of Building Assessment Certificates (to be applied for when directed to by the Building Safety Regulator).
- The keeping and sharing of information
- Requirements for resident engagement and the provision of information
- Duties placed on residents and details around actions AP can take if duties are breached
- Enforcement by the BSR
- BSR’s ability to apply to replace an AP who fails to comply with their duties with a Special Measures Manager
- Requirement for a named director responsible for building safety management where an AP is a resident management company
Importantly, s101 of the BSA 2022 creates a criminal offence where an AP or PAP contravenes Part 4 provisions, placing anyone at significant risk of death and / or serious injury. The BSR is required to enforce Part 4 of the BSA and any regulations made under it. This makes it critical that new duties are understood and complied with.
For the management of fire safety risks the introduction of s83 and 84 of the BSA – the assessment and management of building safety risks – are of particular significance.
Assessment
APs must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the building safety risks for the part of the building for which they are responsible. This must be updated at regular intervals and at any time there is suspicion it is no longer valid.
An understanding of the building an AP is responsible for is therefore crucial for effective and appropriate risk assessment, this includes:
- Details of the building’s original design and construction
- The building’s current condition
- Types of refurbishment or other changes that have taken place over the buildings life-time.
In assessing building safety risks, for the parts of the building they are responsible for, APs should consider:
- the hazards within their building
- who may be harmed by these hazards
- the likelihood and consequences of these hazards resulting in a major incident
- how to lower risk of a major incident to an acceptable level
- measures required to mitigate the risk of harm to residents if a major incident were to occur.
Management
APs must promptly take all reasonable steps to prevent building safety risks from materialising and to reduce severity of these incidents should they occur. APs should plan, organise, control and monitor their approach.
Clearly, what is reasonable and proportionate depends on the individual circumstances of the building. Again, therefore a knowledge of the building, including the practicality of carrying out measures and associated costs, is crucial. APs should consider measures already in place to effectively control building safety risks and what additional measures could reasonably be taken.
APs are also required to engage with residents (or flat owners) and provide information on the prevention and mitigation of building safety risks.
The PAP must then prepare a Safety Case Report for the building. This report must contain details of the APs assessment and management of risks, with an explanation as to why certain measures were adopted. In due course, this report will have to be provided to the Building Safety Regulator.
From 6 April 2024, the Building Safety Regulator is expected to start the process of requesting that PAPs apply for a building assessment certificate for a registered building within 28 days of their request. Failure to do so, without a reasonable excuse, is an offence.
If you require any further information or support in relation to any of the above please contact
Louise Mansfield or Melissa Stanford.
Publications & Guidance
Consultation outcome: Business Rates Avoidance and Evasion: Consultation
HM Treasury and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities | 6 March 2024
The Summary of Responses to the Business Rates Avoidance and Evasion Consultation sets out the views expressed to the government during the consultation and outlines reforms to combat abuse of the system. The government is extending the Empty Property Relief “reset period”, from six weeks to three months (13 weeks) from 1 April 2024 in England. This will reduce the financial incentive to avoid business rates on empty properties through “box shifting”. The government is also announcing a consultation on a “General Anti-Avoidance Rule” for business rates in England, and committing to improved communications for ratepayers to help combat “rogue” business rates agents.
An accelerated planning system
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities | 6 March 2024
All local planning authorities will be required to offer an Accelerated Planning Service for major commercial applications. The applicant would pay a higher planning fee to the local planning authority which, in exchange, will be required to determine these applications within 10 weeks (rather than the 13-week statutory time limit), with a guarantee that the fee would be refunded if the application is not determined within this timescale. Two options are being explored for the detailed design of this service. Under the first discretionary option, applicants could choose to use the Accelerated Planning Service where their application meets the qualifying criteria or they could use the standard application route for a major development (with a lower fee and longer timescales). A second mandatory option could be that the Accelerated Planning Service is the only available application route for all applications in a given development category. This would have the benefit of clarity and certainty for applicants and local planning authorities but remove the element of choice for the applicant.
DLUHC launches plans to prioritise brownfield development
Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities | 13 February 2024
In a press release dated 13 February 2024, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced several measures to reform the planning system with the aim of boosting housebuilding particularly on brownfield land while protecting the green belt. Strengthening planning policy for brownfield development was launched on 13 February and will run until Tuesday 26 March. The government will look to implement these changes to national planning policy as soon as possible.
Biodiversity net gain in force – new and updated guidance published
Natural England | 12 February 2024
From 12 February 2024, all planning permissions (subject to exceptions) granted in England pursuant to planning applications submitted under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 on or after this date are subject to a condition requiring that the biodiversity value attributable to the development exceeds the pre-development value of the onsite habitat by at least 10%.
Cases
Dismissal of JR on order to quash decision to approve construction traffic management plan (R (on the application of Lisle-Mainwaring) v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea)
Francis Taylor Building | 29 February 2024
The Administrative Court in R (on the application of Lisle-Mainwaring) v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea [2024] EWHC 440 (Admin), dismissed the claimant’s application for judicial review after she had applied for an order to quash a decision made by the defendant to approve a construction traffic management plan. The planning permission was granted in May 2022 (May 2022 Application) and the work commenced on site without the pre-commencement condition being discharged. The claimant contended, among other things, that: (i) the defendant had a discretion to decline to determine the May 2022 Application; and (ii) the defendant failed to consider a material consideration being its ability, acting reasonably, and to decline to determine the interested party’s application to discharge the condition. The defendant argued, among other things, that the ability of the defendant to decline to determine the May 2022 Application was not drawn to the attention of the planning applications committee by the claimant, since she did not ask the committee to decline to determine the application. The court held, among other things, that: (i) the discretion to decline to determine the May 2022 Application was a material consideration and not a mandatory material consideration, and neither the claimant nor any other party put that consideration before the defendant; (ii) the existence of a discretionary power to decline to determine the application was not put before the defendant, and no party asked the defendant to exercise such a discretion. Furthermore, the defendant was not obligated to cast around and find an alternative to refusing or approving the application which had been made to them.
Local Government Lawyer | 22 February 2024
In (Lullington Solar Park Ltd v SLUHC), the High Court rejected a challenge of an inspector’s decision to dismiss an appeal against a local planning authority’s decision to refuse planning permission for a solar development. The grounds were concerned with the inspector’s approach to considering a site selection search submitted to demonstrate the availability of best and most versatile agricultural land in locations in the district within a defined search area. The judge rejected both grounds and dismissed the challenge.
Councils warn of impact of proposed Building Safety Levy on s106 contributions
Local Government Lawyer | 8 March 2024
The Government’s proposed Building Safety Levy could damage the delivery through section 106 agreements of affordable housing and infrastructure, and leave homeowners and councils footing the bill for building defects. That warning has come from the Local Government Association (LGA) in its response to a Government consultation. The levy seeks to ensure taxpayers and leaseholders do not pay for the remediation of historic building safety defects by instead raising funds from developers towards this, an objective the LGA supported. It is among legislative changes following the Grenfell Tower fire disaster. But the LGA said an unintended consequence could be “that local communities will ultimately pay the price for historic failures in regulation and practice, in terms of less infrastructure and affordable housing being delivered [through section 106]”.
£208m investment in the North to transform towns and cities
Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities | 1 March 2024
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced a £208m investment to fund a range of projects across towns and cities in the north of England to regenerate the area, including building more housing. Northern leaders are also receiving powers to support the delivery of the promise in the Levelling Up White Paper to level the playing field by spreading opportunities.
Local Government Lawyer | 29 February 2024
The London Borough of Ealing has obtained a £1.44m penalty under the Proceeds of Crime Act after an overseas property owner broke planning rules and then refused to comply with enforcement action. Ali Bahbahani, of no fixed address, was ordered to pay £1,283,444 for converting the home in Ealing into flats, including an extension. The defendant then failed to comply with orders to cease the use and demolish the unauthorised extensions. Ealing secured the confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act because Bahbahani then profited illegally from renting the flats. Ealing secured the confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act because Bahbahani then profited illegally from renting the flats. The defendant failed to appear for his conviction at Isleworth Crown Court on 25 January. As part of the confiscation order, the council will be recovering more than £16,000 in unpaid council tax and business rate bills. Ealing said that over the last 10 years it had issued multiple court applications to have the property restored to its original condition. The case was heard before a number of courts before being concluded at Isleworth Crown Court in January.
DLUHC announces new planning rules for short-term lets
Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities | 19 February 2024
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has published a press release announcing changes to planning rules which will help prevent locals from being pushed out of their communities by high numbers of short-term lets. Under the reforms, short-term lets will be subject to the planning process with planning permission being required for future short-term lets, providing local authorities with more control. A new mandatory national register will also provide information to local authorities, helping them to understand the number of short-term lets in their area, to discover the impact on their communities and to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Both the planning changes and the register are focussed on short-term lets and will not affect hotels, hostels or B&Bs. More details will be set out in the government’s response to the consultations and the changes are expected to be introduced from this summer.
Governance & Reorganisation
Code of Practice on Good Governance for Statutory Officers - Have Your Say
Lawyers in Local Government (LLG), the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE) are currently out to consultation on a new joint Code of Practice on Good Governance for Statutory Officers, which we were delighted to be asked to produce on their behalf, and to provide the resource and long experience of Philip McCourt to put this together.
The Code of Practice on Good Governance provides guidance and sets out expectations for the three statutory roles of Head of Paid Service, Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer, aimed at enabling them to effectively work together in delivering good governance within the authority, as a governance ‘Golden Triangle’.
The Code considers the seven Nolan Principles of public life in conjunction with the Golden Triangle to more clearly advise and guide these statutory officers.
The ‘Seven Principles of the Golden Triangle’ are as follows:
- Respect Roles and Responsibilities
The need to work in collaboration to achieve high standards of corporate governance and uphold the seven principles of public life; and to understand the skills, knowledge, experience, and expertise necessary to administer a local authority. - Act Wisely: A duty of enquiry and the exercise of statutory functions
The need to have strategic influence, the duty to enquire about and give advice on and be present when discussions of significance take place. To understand the personal duties and obligations of reporting placed upon the Chief Finance Officer and the Monitoring Officer. - Be Robust in working arrangements
Arrangements in place to ensure that the statutory officers have access to all data, reports, and parts of the organisation that will provide information necessary, as an early warning system or as they happen, to enable them to fulfil the requirements of their statutory duties. - Resource Up: Get the tools to do the job
The provision of staff, accommodation, and resources sufficient to allow these statutory duties to be performed. - Build Resilience: Appointing Deputies
The importance of appointing deputies to act on statutory officers' behalf in the event of absence or illness, including for the Head of Paid Service. - Champion good decision making
Ensure that decisions are easy to understand, lawful, implementable, and made in public or based on the principles of transparency and openness. - Effective Oversight: External companies and entities of the authority
Ensure that there is sufficient oversight and independent governance arrangements put in place for the control of the authority’s interests.
The Code will be supplemented with guidance in the form of a practitioner handbook for each of the statutory officers, which includes the "Statement on the role of the Chief Financial Officer in Local Government", a briefing on "Balancing local authority budgets and section 114 notices" by CIPFA, and the production of a "Monitoring Officer Protocol" and handbook by LLG.
For help and advice on governance or reorganisation matters, please contact David Kitson, Philip McCourt, or Victoria Barman.
Publications & Guidance
ICO publishes guidance on content moderation and data protection
Information Commissioner’s Office | 24 February 2024
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published guidance on content moderation which highlights how data protection law applies to content moderation processes and how it affects people’s information rights. The ICO also announced, alongside, that the guidance will support people's information rights online by ensuring organisations understand their data protection obligations when seeking to make their platforms safer. The guidance will further help organisations in scope of the Online Safety Act 2023 to comply with data protection law as they carry out content moderation to meet their online safety duties.
Home Office publishes progress report on Independent Review of Prevent
Home Office | 20 February 2024
The Home Office has published the ‘Independent Review of Prevent: One year on progress report’, highlighting that 30 of the 34 recommendations made in the review have been completed in full, and 115 of the 120 sub-actions have been delivered. It notes that the new Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales, which took effect from 31 December 2023, now reflects key changes following the recommendations, including an update to the first Prevent objective to tackle ‘the ideological causes of terrorism’, having ‘Reducing Permissive Environments’ as a key theme in tackling ideological causes of terrorism, and clear definition of the term ‘vulnerability’.
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology | 15 February 2024
Seventeen departments such as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Department for Education have published their letters to regulators involved in the oversight of AI requesting an update by 30 April 2024. This includes the main digital regulators forming the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum along with key regulators responsible for healthcare, finance, education, and the enforcement of human rights.
News
HM Treasury | 6 March 2024
In the Spring Budget 2024, on 6 March 2024, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, made several announcements of relevance to local government practitioners, including on governance, local government finance, healthcare, education, children’s social care, social care, social housing and planning.
Budget 2024: CCN welcomes new devolution agreements in counties
County Councils Network | 6 March 2024
The government have announced new devolution agreements for Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire and Surrey, which will devolve powers over adult education and infrastructure to the area. The agreements, pending formal approval, will devolve ‘Level 2’ powers of the devolution framework directly to the upper-tier councils. CCN has supported the negotiations with the authorities and government over several months. These are the latest county devolution agreements with County Councils Network members, following on from several agreed in the last 20 months, and takes the total of deals involving our member councils to 15.
County Council Networks | 20 February 2024
Data compiled by the County Councils Network (CCN) finds that out of 136 county and unitary local authorities in England who have so far published their budget proposals, 128 (95%) plan on raising their council tax by the maximum permitted – 4.99%. These increases come despite councils receiving an emergency injection of £600m last month, following intense lobbying by CCN. County leaders said that the additional funding is welcome and would help safeguard frontline services, many of which are relied on by struggling households.
Contract Management
PPN 01/24: Carbon Reduction Contract Schedule
The Cabinet Office has published Procurement Policy Note PPN 01/24 “Carbon Reduction Contract Schedule” (18 March 2024).
This PPN introduces an optional standard Carbon Reduction Contract Schedule that can be included in Government contracts, where it is considered relevant to the subject matter and proportionate to the delivery of the contract. The PPN applies to procurement by “In-Scope Organisations” (Central Government Departments, their Executive Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies); however, all public sector contracting authorities may wish to apply the approach set out.
The provisions are expected to be incorporated into future iterations of the suite of the Model Contracts, which were most recently updated on 1 August 2023. However, it is suggested that in-scope organisations may also choose to use these terms in relevant procurements with immediate effect, or apply them to existing contracts, through a contract variation, where appropriate.
Whilst environmental and GHG emissions considerations feature in the aspects of delivery of most public contracts, as highlighted below, some categories of spend, such as technology, may provide greater opportunities to support Net Zero commitments. Use of the schedule is optional and it should only be included where it is relevant to the subject matter of the contract and where it is proportionate to do so, rather than as a default.
The guidance includes a number of questions to aid decision making and suggests that there are four key factors in determining the relevance and proportionality of the T&Cs to the contract.
If you would like to know more about structuring your contracts to incorporate the Carbon Reduction principles, or how the schedule may need to be modified or adapted to fit with the way your organisation operates, please get in touch with Liz Fletcher.
Legislation
The Procurement Act 2023 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2024
legislation.gov.uk | 11 March 2024
These Regulations bring into force provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 (“the Act”).The powers being commenced confer powers to make regulations, including regulations which may amend the Procurement Act 2023, and place certain devolution-related restrictions on those powers. The regulations also commence the ability of a Minister of the Crown and Welsh Ministers to publish procurement policy statements.
These are the second commencement regulations under the Act.
The Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2024
legislation.gov.uk | 7 March 2024
This Order made by the Welsh Ministers brings into force certain provisions of the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 (asc 1) (“the Act”). Article 2 of this Order brings section 17 (social partnership duty: Welsh Ministers) and section 19 (social partnership reports: Welsh Ministers) of the Act info force on the 1 April 2024.
Publications & Guidance
Crown Commercial Service publishes updated commercial pipeline under Procurement Act 2023
Crown Commercial Service | 11 March 2024
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has published an article on the latest priority list of commercial agreements. The CCS notes that the Procurement Act 2023 is not retroactive. All current live commercial agreements will continue operating under the Public Contract Regulations 2015 (PCR2015). We will operate agreements under both PCR2015 and the Procurement Act 2023 for a period of time; at least until existing agreements expire, are replaced, or cease to exist.
MoD publishes Minister’s statement on the Integrated Procurement Model
Ministry of Defence | 28 February 2024
The Ministry for Defence (MoD) has published the oral statement given by the Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, to Parliament on the new Integrated Procurement Model. In the statement, Cartlidge announced the new Integrated Procurement Model which has five key features. Cartlidge has said that the new approach will: be joined up with procurement anchored in pan-defence affordability; have new checks and balances; prioritise exportability; empower industrial innovation; and, purpose spiral development by default.
GCF publishes Public Procurement Review Service Progress Report 2022-2023
Government Commercial Function | 16 February 2024
The Government Commercial Function (GCF) has published the Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS) Progress Report 2022–2023, assessing trends from 6 April 2022 to 5 April 2023. The GCF has noted that the top four reported issues to PPRS were payment, evaluation, tender process and use of framework. In total, PPRS received 91 cases, a 3% decrease from the previous financial year, half of which were from new service providers. The GCF has noted that 100% of PPRS recorded case outcomes were measured as ‘positive’. Focuses for the financial year included increased operational transparency, more engagement with the voluntary, community and social enterprises sector, active support of the Small Business Crown Representative, stakeholder engagement and more work with teams across the GCF to ensure that issues raised are address and help to improve commercial capability.
News
Will Quince MP appointed to conduct review into food procurement
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs | 11 March 2024
On Monday 11 March 2024, Environment Secretary Steve Barclay appointed Will Quince MP as an independent advisor to support the government’s ongoing work to improve food procurement in the public sector.
Welsh Government publishes procurement reform update for March 2024
Welsh Government | 5 March 2024
The Welsh Government has published its update on procurement reform for March 2024, focussing on Learning and Development (L&D) timelines. The Welsh Government has noted that L&D offerings will be available for stakeholders in the lead up to the new Procurement Act 2023 going live in October 2024. These include focussed eLearning, intensive deep dive learning and short knowledge drop videos for suppliers, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) as well as all other stakeholders.
Disputes & Regulatory Support
Alleged transphobic Facebook posts: Meade v Westminster City Council
In Meade v Westminster City Council, the Employment Tribunal upheld a social worker’s claim against Westminster City Council and Social Work England (SWE) for harassment. The Claimant was employed by the local authority as a social worker, and was required to adhere to professional standards as outlined by SWE. The Tribunal noted the Claimant says she is a feminist and holds gender critical beliefs. A complaint was made to SWE regarding the Claimant’s activity on Facebook which was alleged to be transphobic. In response to this complaint, SWE undertook an investigation into her fitness to practice. The local authority also suspended the Claimant and undertook its own disciplinary investigation.
The Tribunal found all of the Claimant’s Facebook posts and other communications fell within her protected rights for freedom of thought and freedom to manifest her beliefs as protected under Articles 9 and 10, and were not outside the reasonable bounds of the legitimate manifestation of her beliefs. The Tribunal found the overall disciplinary process carried out by the local authority, which was of significant duration, constituted harassment, including that the duration of the Claimant’s suspension (for a period of 12 months) was wholly excessive and constituted an act of harassment. The Tribunal found those acts which constituted harassment would also have amounted to direct discrimination on account of the Claimant’s protected beliefs (which is a higher threshold). With respect to SWE, the Tribunal concluded that aspects of SWE’s investigation process were defective and constituted harassment, including the prolonged investigation. The Tribunal also found these would have constituted acts of direct discrimination.
The case highlights the importance of following correct and appropriate procedures during a disciplinary investigation, and also includes interesting discussion around debate and freedom of expression.
For guidance on disciplinary procedures, please contact Sarah Lamont.
Publications & Guidance
Disclosure of information between family and criminal agencies and jurisdictions: 2024 protocol
Criminal Prosecution Service | 1 March 2024
A new protocol, the disclosure of information between family and criminal agencies and jurisdictions (the 2024 protocol) has been published. The 2024 protocol replaces the October 2013 protocol and good practice model (disclosure of information in cases of alleged child abuse and linked criminal and care directions hearings), often referred to as the police protocol. The 2024 protocol applies to the exchange of information and material between criminal and family agencies and jurisdictions and is to be applied from 1 March 2024. It relates to all private and public family law proceedings, including contemplated public law proceedings, and all material held by the police. It will be reviewed by a working group comprising the judiciary, local authorities, police and the Crown Prosecution Service in 2025.
Cases
Courts and Tribunals Judiciary | 5 March 2024
The Court of Appeal, in Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust v Revenue and Customs Commissioners [2024] EWCA Civ 177, allowed the NHS trust’s appeal on all grounds and, setting aside the tribunal decisions, found that the trust’s provision of car parking on its hospital site was not subject to VAT. The Court concluded the UT and FTT had erred in law in deciding that the trust did not provide hospital car parking under a ‘special legal regime’, and that the tribunals had adopted the incorrect approach to determining whether non-taxation would cause significant distortions of competition. On remaking the FTT decision, the court concluded that hospital parking was provided by the trust ‘as’ a public authority and that HMRC had not demonstrated that non-taxation would lead to significant distortions of competition. The trust was therefore a non-taxable person within VATA 1994, s 41A in relation to its supply of car parking, and the trust’s claim for repayment of output VAT was allowed.
Local Government Lawyer | 27 February 2024
The Family Proceedings, in West Northamptonshire Council v The Mother and another [2024] EWHC 395 (Fam), dismissed the applicant’s, the local authorities, application for a psychologist to undertake a cognitive assessment of a mother in care proceedings. The judgment attempted to give some guidance on when such applications should have been made. The interim threshold alleged that mother failed to engage with antenatal services, including mental health services, and that there was a risk of harm from her association with the father, who had a history of offences. The application did not come close to meeting the test of being ‘necessary’ to resolve the proceedings, and in the courts’, view should never have been made. Such applications waste considerable resources, both in the courts, but also in the local authorities and cafcass when they lead to unnecessary hearings and unnecessary expense. The solicitor referred to a psychological assessment being useful in determining what support the mother would need to help care for the child in the future. But that was not the purpose of the Part 25 application. Further, that type of analysis was one that all social workers should have necessarily been very familiar with. There was again nothing in that case which justified going beyond normal good social work practice.
Field Court Chambers | 23 February 2024
The Administrative Court, in R (on the application of AB and another) v Westminster City Council [2024] All ER (D) 115 (Feb) ruled on the claimants' application for judicial review in relation to the adequacy of the accommodation provided by the defendant local authority. The claimants were a couple. They each suffered from a number of serious physical and mental disabilities. The defendant was satisfied that they were homeless within the meaning of the Housing Act 1996 and was presently providing them accommodation to discharge its duties. It fell to be determined, among other things, whether the defendant was, and had been since the specified date, in breach of its duty under section 193(2) of the Act. The court held that it was accepted on all sides that the current accommodation at the Town Y accommodation was not necessarily a long-term solution, and it could be that if the claimants sought an internal review or pursue an appeal to the County Court it would be accepted that it was not suitable in the short to medium term. For the reasons set out, however, it was considered that judicial review was not the appropriate remedy to deal with those matters, and it was not considered that the claimants had established grounds on which the defendant had acted unlawfully. The present court, therefore, would not allow the claimants' judicial review. That was save in relation to the conceded position regarding the ground 1 challenge to the suitability of the claimants' accommodation prior to the specified date.
Caselaw Digest | 19 February 2024
The Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber), in Peabody Trust v Welstead [2024] UKUT 41 (LC), dismissing the appellant landlord’s appeal against a determination of the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) that there should be a reduction in a proposed rent increase in respect of the respondent’s tenancy, held that the landlord’s contention that the FTT had not given notice that the increase sought for service charges had to be justified misunderstood the process for determining a new rent under section 14 of the Housing Act 1988, which imposed an evidential burden on the landlord seeking an increase in rent.
Kingsley Napley | 14 February 2024
On 14 February 2024, the High Court issued a landmark ruling that universities and students alike have been long awaiting. Shannett Thompson of Kingsley Napley considers the judgment in The University of Bristol v Dr Robert Abrahart (Administrator of the estate of Natasha Abrahart, deceased) (Equality and Human Rights Commission intervening) and the practical implications of the ruling.
Allocations – backdating applications and the duty of candour (R (Montano) v Lambeth LBC)
Nearly Legal | 11 February 2024
A judicial review against the defendant’s decision not to backdate an application for rehousing under the council’s Part 6 of the Housing Act 1996 allocations scheme. The local authority had rejected the request on the basis that it held no discretion to do so. The court overturned this and decided that the scheme did contain such a power and that the council had acted unlawfully in failing to consider the exercise of that power. The judgment went on to criticize the council’s conduct during proceedings and found that it had failed to meet the duty of candour and the duty of co-operation required in judicial review proceedings. Written by Kevin Long, solicitor at Hackney Community Law Centre.
DAC Beachcroft | 9 February 2024
The recent Court of Appeal judgment in Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council provides important clarification as to whether the courts can, and will, order parties to participate in non-court based dispute resolution. Up to this point, it was widely considered that the courts would be unlikely to compel parties to participate in alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This was based on the Court of Appeal’s decision in Halsey v Milton Keynes General NHS Trust, which was perceived to mean that mandatory ADR was an unacceptable obstruction to the right of access to the courts. However, in Churchill, it was clarified that in certain circumstances the court may stay litigation to order parties to engage in ADR. William Johnson, Graham Anderson and Hoi-Yee Roper of Farrer & Co LLP consider the case and practical implications.
News
Public Law Project reports on Welsh Government’s unlawful school meal decision
Public Law Project | 1 March 2024
Public Law Project has reported on the High Court’s declaration that the Welsh Government’s decision to stop free school meals was made unlawfully, after a legal challenge was brought by two families. Welsh ministers admitted to failing to consider the negative impact of the decision on the rights of children and vulnerable families. The High Court found, by consent, that the Welsh ministers acted in breach of the Rights of the Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011 (RCYP(W)M 2011) and the Equality Act 2010. This is the first time Welsh ministers have been declared to be in breach of their duties under RCYP(W)M 2011. The two families were represented by Matthew Court of PLP, David Gardner of No5 Chambers and Gwion Lewis KC of Landmark Chambers.
Family President suspends guidance on electronic bundles in relation to public law
Local Government Lawyer | 23 February 2024
On 23 February 2024, the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, confirmed that the guidance on electronic bundles is suspended in relation to public children proceedings with immediate effect. The guidance has been referred to the Family Procedure Rule Committee with a view to a revised version being published. In the meantime, the judiciary and local authorities are to proceed according to the needs of the case and the capacity of the software system available to them. The guidance continues to apply to private law and financial remedy proceedings.
Tougher laws to protect children from sexual abuse
Home Office | 21 February 2024
The Home Office has announced that the Home Secretary, James Cleverly, has brought forward plans to ‘better protect’ children from sexual abuse. The Home Office has said that there will be a legal requirement for anyone in regulated activity relating to children in England to report child sexual abuse, and failing to do so could result in being barred from working with young children. Additionally, the Home Office has said that those who actively protect child sexual abusers could face imprisonment for seven years. The Home Office has said that the measures will be introduced as amendments at report stage of the Criminal Justice Bill in the House of Commons.
Resources Library
In-house Insights series:
In-house Insights: Property Disputes
In-house Insights: Construction
In-house Insights: Procurement
In-house Insights: Contract Update
In-house Insights: Information Law and IP
Energy Matters February / March 2024 - Key updates across the energy sector
Data Matters - March 2024 - Bevan Brittan’s Information Law and Privacy Update
Employment Eye March 2024 - Employment law report for March 2024
Interim declarations in the Court of Protection: a new approach
Modern Slavery Uncovered: Challenges Facing Foreign Staff in Care Homes
Letters of Intent and how not to use them
The challenges in controlling health and safety risks in Energy from Waste
Processing Biometric Data: Key considerations for your organisation
All Bevan Brittan articles and news
Events
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25 April 2024, 12.30 – 1.30
Case Law Update – Mental Capacity Act 2005
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6 June 2024, 12.30 – 1.30
Naughty, naughty – breaching orders in the Court of Protection
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Pensions Not Podcasts - Savings and Retirement Planning
Reflecting on Children’s Social Care 2 years on from the national review