The Supreme Court has handed down a landmark ruling on the lawfulness of a provision in a local authority's constitution which restricted voting by members on deferred applications for planning permission to those who had been present at the meeting or meetings at which the application had previously been considered. Philip McCourt set out the key points from the judgment.

Philip McCourt and Kirtpal Kaur Aujla comment on the contractual and commercial tasks ahead for local government reorganisation.

Ella Royle and Richard Barlow examine the role played by The Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000 in governance in local government.

Ahead of the May 2025 elections, Geoff Wild provides guidance for officers and members on the "dos and don'ts" during the pre-election period (‘‘purdah’).

Ibrahim Hasan looks at the legal issues that must be navigated around the use of AI in local government.

Matt Lewin reflects on the Government’s consultation on reforms to the standards and conduct framework.

Sarah Lamont sets out some of the main employment considerations arising out of the Government’s plans for local government reorganisation.

Since the English Devolution White Paper was published in December 2024, the first tranche of councils have taken initial steps towards local government reorganisation. Laura Hughes explains what has happened so far and what all local authorities need to be considering.

Geoff Wild provides a timely update on what disqualifies someone from being an elected member.

Local government is facing a complex and shifting operational landscape, shaped by ongoing budgetary pressures, ambitious policy objectives, and new legislative frameworks. Lawyers from the Government & Public Services team at TLT identify their top five challenges for 2025 and offer some thoughts on the best approach to tackling them.

This is the third article in Bevan Brittan’s series considering the potential impacts of the English Devolution White Paper, this time looking at the standards element.

Glyn Lancefield examines the Civil Justice Council's proposed reforms to the Judicial Review Pre-Action Protocol.

Geoff Wild sets out the key considerations when it comes to member and officer indemnities.

Simon Goacher sets out the key findings we can take from the government's published consultation.

In the second in a series of articles on the English Devolution White Paper, Philip McCourt looks at the establishment of new councils and the drafting of their constitutions.

Perhaps it is more like revolution, certainly rapid evolution, and possibly even in some respects the reverse of devolution, writes Simon Ricketts.

Peter Ware considers the Government’s proposed approach to local authority funding reform through the local government finance settlement from 2026-27.

Philip McCourt sets out some key considerations arising out of the English Devolution White Paper.

The Government’s proposals for reorganisation of local authorities in England are broadly welcome, writes Simon Goacher.

Elizabeth Withers and Sally Stock provide insight into the decision not to enact Section 6 of the Retained EU Law Act.