LGA and Local Partnerships issue updated guide to trading and charging

The Local Government Association and Local Partnerships have launched an updated version of their guide to how councils can get the most from trading and charging.

The guide for councillors and senior officers considers the legal options councils currently have for trading and charging, including the most recent rule changes introduced by the General Power of Competence under the Localism Act 2011.

The publication covers a range of issues, including:

• What is an enterprising council?
• Why trading and charging matters to councillors and senior officers
• Preparing to trade or charge: what you are trying to achieve; how councils should involve relevant service users, communities and staff; how the law helps councils achieve their objective; the General Power of Competence;
• Charging; specific powers to charge; the Local Government Act 2003; the Localism Act 2011;
• Trading: including trading within the public sector; how EU procurement, state aid and competition laws impact on trading activities between public bodies; new partners in the public sector; trading beyond the public sector; commercial trading and risk.

The publication contains examples of good practice, a checklist for councils and contacts, and a section on further reading.

A copy of the guide can be downloaded here.

See also: Charging, Trading and the Localism Act 2011 by Rob Hann, Director of Legal Services at Local Partnerships.