30/01/2025
Welcome to the January edition of Local Authority View, an update summarising recent Government publications, legislation, cases and other developments relevant to those involved in the local authority sector.
This month, we have covered the following:
- Homelessness and Health: A Window of Opportunity for All
- Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill – key education issues for local authorities
- Housing disrepair – the latest downgradings from the regulator
- 'All Hail the Mayor' – Commentary on the devolution White Paper
- Grid Reform – And Why It Matters to Local Authorities
- ProAct 2023 Basics
Homelessness and Health: A Window of Opportunity for All
Discharging individuals who are at risk of, or experiencing homelessness provides a window of opportunity for all stakeholders, including both the NHS and Local Authorities to work collaboratively to address an individual’s complex needs, and to support a move out of homelessness. This article examines the role of the Local Authority in that process, including in respect of the duty to refer, safeguarding and care needs assessments. It also considers discharge planning pathways for ongoing care and support, and the role of care transfer hubs (including the NHS, Local Authority, housing and other partners) in this.
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill – key education issues for local authorities
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill recently passed its second reading in the House of Commons, introducing a number of measures including a ‘reasoned amendment’ calling for a national statutory inquiry into historical child sexual exploitation.
Housing disrepair – the latest downgradings from the regulator
John Cox and Neil Brand
With more local authorities being downgraded by the RSH over failings in the management of their housing stock, we look at where those authorities went wrong and the actions you can take now to stay compliant.
‘All Hail the Mayor' – Commentary on the devolution White Paper
Philip McCourt and David Kitson
From the introduction of ‘strategic authorities’ to the Government’s preference for mayoral leadership, the recently published English Devolution White Paper brings many important developments to local government.
Grid Reform – And Why It Matters to Local Authorities
Simon Boyes and Harriet Murray Jones
The National Grid’s reform brings an overhaul of the way projects are added to the queue awaiting connection. It presents a new challenge for developers in overcoming the stringent requirements to receive a firm connection date, but this may in itself be a great opportunity for local authorities.
ProAct 23 Basics
On 24 February 2025, the Procurement Act 2023 will come into force, marking the most significant overhaul of procurement law in recent memory. While some of these issues are complex, we’re committed to helping clients navigate this new landscape. To support organisations, we’re excited to launch ProAct 23, a set of resources designed to assist with understanding, preparing for, and complying with the Act in England and Wales. ProAct 23 gives practical, scenario based guidance on safe and effective procurement. Through Masterclasses (on-demand videos), topic guides and online resources (including a workbook), your clients will have a guide at their fingertips for the whole organisation.
