Public sector matters for local government, June 2024

Public matters: June 2024

28 June 2024

Tim Edds

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023: Update on planning enforcement

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA) has seen further provisions come into force, including new powers for local planning authorities in England to issue enforcement warning notices and the extension of the time limit for enforcement action against unauthorised developments. In this article, we take a closer look at these provisions and what they mean, particularly in the context of planning enforcement issues.

What does the election mean for Net Zero and the green ambitions of public bodies?

It’s widely accepted that the world is not doing enough to meet the target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as agreed in the Paris Agreement. As of March 2023, the IPCC (the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), which is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change, reported that the world has already warmed by 1.1°C. The IPCC now expects the world to breach 1.5°Cby the 2030s - despite all the grand speeches of politicians.

The path to Net Zero - what the future holds for local authorities

The UK needs to achieve Net Zero by 2050, but the means to do so are unclear. This session will discuss legislative policy changes affecting local authorities' delivery of net zero, legal obstacles and solutions for EV charging points, and the opportunities and issues surrounding solar power and local authorities.

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Redress and reparation schemes: Where the complexity is not about quantum

The Islington Support Payment Scheme, which compensated people affected by abuse in Council Children's Homes, has closed its doors. The scheme, which was designed to be straightforward, allowed successful applicants to receive a £10,000 support payment without the need for legal representation. The scheme also provided access to trauma support, care records, work and learning support, housing and welfare advice, and community health and wellbeing activities.

What impact will the Procurement Act 2023 have on resolving contractual disputes?

A key change brought in by the Procurement Act 2023 (the Act) is the focus on the entire lifecycle of a procurement, with contract management now within the very definition of "procurement" which means “the award, entry into and management of a contract” under the Act.

A first of many? PFI company seeks Restructuring Plan

A project company in a private finance initiative (PFI) project has proposed a restructuring plan under Part 26A to the Companies Act 2006, marking a first in the UK. The plan seeks to compromise both current and future liabilities arising from a PFI project agreement with an NHS Trust. The hearing to sanction the plan will be held in July.

Commercial contracts: Top tips before signing on the dotted line

Contracts are an essential part of any business relationship, but disputes can often arise if the terms of the contract are not clear or if key details are overlooked during the negotiation stage. To help you avoid these issues, we have compiled a list of top tips to consider before entering into a contract.