Public Matters - February 2022
Updates include UK Shared Prosperity Fund, contracts, Subsidy Control Bill, data controller liability, Government Covid-19 procurement and Highway Code revisions.
Welcome to our Public Matters Newsletter.
This month we have:
UK Shared Prosperity Fund Pre-launch Guidance
Athina Agrafioti summarises the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Pre-launch Guidance, with considerations for local stakeholders, groups, organisations and Lead Local Authorities.
Four top tips to avoid disputes when entering into service level agreements with suppliers
We regularly encounter disputes relating to Service Level Agreement provisions.
Conor Hulbert provides four top tips that you can use to minimise disputes.
Terminating a contract: What steps do you need to take?
Ending a contract can be tricky.
Amba Griffin-Booth highlights some key points to consider when thinking about termination.
High Court finds local authority not vicariously liable for the actions of social worker who went off on a "frolic of her own"
Public bodies will be pleased to hear that another significant court decision (Ali v Luton Borough Council [2022] EWHC 132 (QB)) has been made that is favourable to data controllers.
Matthew Alderton summarises the case.
New Year, New Subsidy Control Regime Part 1: The principles, restrictions and exemptions under the Subsidy Control Bill
Alex Kynoch explores the subsidy control principles, prohibited subsidies, restrictions and exemptions laid down in the Bill.
New Year, New Subsidy Control Regime Part 2: Schemes, enforcement and transparency under the Subsidy Control Bill
Angelica Hymers consider streamlined subsidy schemes, transparency, the role of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the enforcement provisions.
R (Good Law Project) v Minister for the Cabinet Office [2022] EWCA Civ 21
Did the Government breach procurement rules when they appointed Public First for the provision of focus group & communication support services?
Lucy Isaac summarises the case and Court of Appeal decision.
Revisions to the Highway Code and potential impact on civil liability
In keeping with the drive to support green methods of travel, the revisions are intended to provide greater protection to more vulnerable road users.
Ryan Wise explains why public sector organisations need to be alive to these changes.
National consultation on exclusions underway
Richard Freeth summarises the key changes proposed in the Department for Education's behaviour and exclusions guidance consultation (which runs until 31 March 2022).