Apr 25, 2025

Police and Crime Commissioner puts judicial review over "unfair" Home Office funding formula on hold

Lincolnshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has suspended a judicial review challenge over the Home Office’s police funding formula after the Government department agreed to hand Lincolnshire Police £5.7m in short term funding.

Apr 25, 2025

Court of Appeal sets aside direction from judge to local authority to investigate circumstances of children not subject to proceedings

The Court of Appeal has set aside a judge’s direction for a local authority to investigate the circumstances of three children who were not the subject of proceedings, and to make the children subject to interim supervision orders, finding he was not entitled to do so.

Apr 25, 2025

LLG to create professional body for all monitoring officers by end of 2025, support members affected by reorganisation, says incoming President

The Director of Legal and Assurance at Essex County Council, Paul Turner, has been appointed President of LLG (Lawyers in Local Government) at the organisation’s annual general meeting this week.

Apr 25, 2025

Housing Ombudsman sets out communication tests amid concerns of inadvertent stigmatisation of residents

The Housing Ombudsman has identified four key tests to ensure effective communication with residents and avoid inadvertent stigmatisation.

Apr 24, 2025

Major social landlord brings first prosecution for tenancy fraud

L&Q has brought its first tenancy fraud prosecution, in a case where a former resident was found guilty of having illegally sublet his home and given false details in a Right to Acquire application.

Apr 24, 2025

Integrated care board wins appeal over mandatory order requiring arrangement of new health care plan for severely disabled boy

The Court of Appeal has allowed a cross-appeal brought by an Integrated Care Board (ICB) and dismissed an appeal and notice to affirm brought on behalf of a 12-year-old boy.

Apr 24, 2025

Court of Appeal rejects appeal over planning committee breach, with outcome highly likely to be the same even if conduct had not occurred

An objector to a planning decision by Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has lost her case in the Court of Appeal even though a regulation was breached by its planning committee.

Apr 24, 2025

Hoarding tenant fails in High Court challenge to grant of possession order in favour of social landlord

The High Court has upheld a possession order granted to Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) against a tenant who is a hoarder, rejecting a submission that the first instance judge's conclusion that the social landlord had acted proportionately was wrong.

Apr 24, 2025

Transport for London excludes firm from tender over change to diversity commitments

Transport for London (TfL) has blocked an advertising consultancy from bidding for a marketing contract after the firm rowed back on its Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) goals.

Apr 24, 2025

Court of Appeal rejects appeal by traders over convictions for selling counterfeit goods

The Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal has upheld jail sentences imposed in a case brought by City of Wolverhampton Council against counterfeit traders, saying one aspect of the appellants' argument lacked “any sense of reality”.

Apr 24, 2025

Campaigners lose Court of Appeal battle over permission for exploration for hydrocarbons in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

A planning inspector was right to take account of the benefits, but not the harm, of potential future production of hydrocarbons when allowing an appeal for permission for exploratory works, the Court of Appeal has found.

Apr 24, 2025

Councillor breached code of conduct when calling interim chief executive a “buffoon”

A Southampton councillor has been found in breach of the code of conduct by calling its interim chief executive a buffoon, despite arguing the term had a different meaning in 1638.

Apr 24, 2025

SLCC urges Government to make it easier to transfer land from principal councils

The Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) has asked housing and local government minister Baroness Taylor to make it easier to transfer land and buildings from principal councils in England to parish and town councils in their areas.

Apr 23, 2025

Senior Court of Protection judge rejects application by Scottish local authority for recognition and enforcement of guardianship order made in Scotland

The Vice President of the Court of Protection has ruled that a guardianship order made in Scotland does not give the local authority power to authorise the deprivation of a man’s liberty in England.

Apr 23, 2025

University to appoint single legal services provider to £2.52m contract

Aston University has issued a tender notice for the procurement of a single service provider who will be able to service all of its needs in the UK and overseas.

Apr 23, 2025

City council says it should be excluded from reorganisation, despite small size

The leader of Portsmouth City Council has urged the Government to exclude the authority from reorganisation plans, raising fears over joining neighbouring authorities saddled with "eye watering deficits".

Apr 23, 2025

Council “hugely disappointed” in planning inspector call to withdraw local plan over failure to meet duty to cooperate

Horsham District Council has written to Planning and Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook and lodged a formal complaint with the Planning Inspectorate after being advised to withdraw its local plan over a failure to meet the duty to cooperate.

Apr 23, 2025

Courts and Tribunals Judiciary issues refreshed guidance on use of AI by judicial office holders

Senior judges have issued updated guidance aimed at assisting judicial office holders in relation to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Apr 23, 2025

Family Drug and Alcohol court launched in Liverpool

Liverpool has this month become the latest city to launch a Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC), with the aim of providing opportunities to support families to stay together.

Apr 22, 2025

Council to pay £6k after failings see child miss out on education for 12 months

An investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has found Cheshire West and Chester Council at fault for a series of delays leading to a boy with special educational needs (SEN) missing out on education for 12 months.

Apr 22, 2025

Taxi licensing powers should be devolved to mayoral combined authorities, Andy Burnham says

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has called for taxi licensing powers to be handed to Mayoral Combined Authorities in an effort to reform what he described as a "broken licensing" system.

Apr 22, 2025

Judge criticises First-tier Tribunal over decision to raise point of own initiative in service charges dispute

The Chamber President of the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) has issued points for the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) to “keep firmly in mind” when deciding whether to raise a point of its own initiative.

Apr 22, 2025

London borough stands firm on refusal to follow recommendation of Ombudsman on treatment of homeless pregnant woman

Hounslow Council has decided not to accept a recommendation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) to offer a woman and her baby its next available suitable accommodation.

Apr 22, 2025

Man jailed after defrauding council of £700k in Covid support

A man who posed as a group property manager for Greggs has been jailed for four years after fraudulently claiming more than £710,000 from Leeds City Council in Covid-19 support grants intended for small businesses.

Apr 22, 2025

Court hands former social housing tenant one of ‘largest of its kind’ unlawful profit orders after unlawful subletting of property over eight years

A former PA Housing tenant has been ordered to pay back more than £95,000, including £75,000 under an unlawful profit order (UPO), after an investigation into the unlawful subletting of her Kingston property.

Apr 22, 2025

Not-for-profit company that built 460-seat theatre without permission loses appeal against enforcement notice

A planning inspector's decision to uphold Fareham Borough Council's enforcement notice against a theatre company that built a 460-seat theatre without planning permission was lawful, a High Court judge has found.

Apr 22, 2025

Senior judge hails progress on bringing care cases within timeframe of Public Law Outline but admits situation in London is “not so rosy”

Progress in bringing all care cases back within the structure and timeframe of the Public Law Outline has been “very real, and impressive” in most areas, the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, has said.

Apr 17, 2025

Mandatory ban on councils making ransomware payments would be “powerful deterrent”: Local Government Association

The Local Government Association has backed Home Office proposals to ban local authorities from making ransomware payments, noting that the move would act as a "powerful deterrent".

Apr 17, 2025

Supreme Court backs “biological” definition of woman for purposes of Equality Act

The Supreme Court has ruled that a person with a full gender recognition certificate which recognises their gender as female, is not a “woman” for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010 (EA 2010), and that the meaning of the word woman in the 2010 Act is “biological”.

Apr 17, 2025

Equalities watchdog to work “at pace” to incorporate Supreme Court ruling on gender and Equality Act into revised Code of Practice

The chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission has said the regulator will be “working at pace” to incorporate into its revised Code of Practice the implications of this week’s Supreme Court landmark ruling on gender recognition certificates and the definition of ‘sex’, ‘man’ and…

Apr 17, 2025

County council hit with £6m fine over busway deaths

Cambridgeshire County Council has been fined £6 million after pleading guilty to serious safety failings on its guided busway that led to three deaths and multiple injuries.

Apr 17, 2025

London borough seeking legal advice after 500-year-old oak tree felled

Enfield Council is seeking legal advice after an ancient oak tree on land leased to restaurant chain Toby Carvery was chopped down earlier this month.

Apr 17, 2025

Advertising giant loses High Court battle over refusal of permission for advertising on building near M4

Advertising firm Ocean Outdoor UK has lost a High Court case over whether the London Borough of Hounslow and a planning inspector should have allowed it to display an advertisement on a building.

Apr 17, 2025

High Court gives permission to Travellers for judicial review of decision by council to decline to determine application

The High Court has given permission for judicial review of a planning decision by Crawley Borough Council in a dispute over land used by two Irish traveller claimants.

Apr 17, 2025

Campaigners seek oral renewal hearing over judicial review against proposed third prison in village

Local campaigners have vowed to challenge the Government's decision to call in and approve a planning application for a third prison in a Lancashire village following the High Court's decision to refuse their judicial review application.

Apr 17, 2025

Planning Court judge rejects claim by parish council that leader of district gave binding promise on routing of ‘greenway’

South Cambridgeshire District Council’s leader did not give a binding promise at a local meeting that a ’greenway’ would skirt Grantchester, and in any event would have no power to do so, the High Court has found.

Apr 16, 2025

Judge dismisses challenge over whether grant of permission for 133-home scheme was unlawful because biodiversity gain planning condition ought to have been imposed but was not

The question of when a planning application is ‘made’ is wholly dependent on context and in particular on the construction of the relevant regulatory or statutory provision, the High Court has found in a case concerning Bolton Council.

Apr 16, 2025

Family President expresses hope of “very substantial reduction” in number of public law children cases where councils have to cover shortfall in expert fees

The President of the Family Division has backed a set of ‘general principles’ which aim to reduce the number of cases in which a local authority is expected to cover a shortfall in expert fees in public law children cases.

Apr 16, 2025

Court of Appeal to hear appeal over decision by mayor to remove low traffic neighbourhoods

Campaigners seeking to challenge a plan by Tower Hamlets Council to remove low-traffic neighbourhoods have received permission from the Court of Appeal to appeal an earlier refusal from the High Court.

Apr 16, 2025

Essex planning officers make submissions to Court of Appeal over written ministerial statement on local energy efficiency standards

Submissions have been filed this month on behalf of the Essex Planning Officers Association (“EPOA”) at the Court of Appeal in support of a challenge to the previous government’s written ministerial statement (“WMS”) on local energy efficiency standards.

Apr 16, 2025

Judge gives green light for judicial review over common law powers of Work and Pensions Secretary

A deputy High Court judge has given a claimant permission to bring a judicial review concerning the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions’ common law powers.

Apr 16, 2025

Council puts brakes on proposed school closure following legal action

Leeds City Council has said it will not issue a statutory notice to close a primary school in Yeadon at the end of the academic year, after being sent a letter before action claiming that there were “significant flaws” in the local authority’s consultation process.

Apr 15, 2025

Council obtains legal advice suggesting it can depart from standard method for calculating housing need

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) could see its housing target reduced from 1,142 to 828 new homes per year following legal advice supporting a departure from the standard method.

Apr 15, 2025

High Court rejects application by father for lay advocate in care proceedings, describing “fundamental misunderstanding” of Article 6

The High Court has rejected a father’s application for a lay advocate, after it was submitted that it was his “Article 6 right” to be provided with one in care proceedings relating to his child.

Apr 15, 2025

Government to establish Child Protection Authority in response to inquiry recommendation

The Government is to establish a Child Protection Authority (CPA) to improve “national oversight and consistency” in child protection practices, as recommended by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).

Apr 15, 2025

Any SEND reform programme must deliver inclusive education system, with education in mainstream provision as “the presumption”: ADCS President

The new President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS), Rachael Wardell, has warned that any SEND reform programme must deliver an inclusive education system, with education in mainstream provision as “the presumption”.

Apr 15, 2025

Council seeks legal advice over abrupt closure of snow sports centre

Rushmoor Borough Council has sought legal advice after a firm operating a snow sports centre abruptly ceased trading.

Apr 15, 2025

High Court rejects challenges to decisions by councils to enter “safety valve” agreements with Department for Education over SEND deficits

Three linked claims challenging decisions by Devon County Council and Bristol City Council to enter so-called “safety valve” agreements (SVAs) with the Department of Education over their Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficits have been dismissed by the High Court.

Apr 15, 2025

Council launches claims against Grenfell contractors as part of bid to recover reported £360m in damages

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has launched legal proceedings against a set of companies involved in the refurbishment of the Grenfell Tower.

Apr 14, 2025

Trowers advises local authority on innovative financing structure for acquisition of 368 homes for temporary accommodation 

Law firm Trowers & Hamlins has advised Westminster City Council on the acquisition of a portfolio of 368 homes for temporary accommodation with a loan from Phoenix Life.

Apr 14, 2025

Major affordable housing provider to hold preliminary market engagement on legal services tender

The North West’s largest affordable housing provider, Torus, is to undertake preliminary market engagement in advance of a forthcoming tender opportunity for the provision of legal services.

Apr 14, 2025

Landlords hit with £250k confiscation order after dividing home into flats without permission

A Crown Court has ordered a couple to pay a confiscation order of £250,055 for the income generated from charging rent on five units for which Hillingdon Council did not give planning permission.

Apr 14, 2025

Town and community councils in Wales failing to meet standards, says audit watchdog

Community and town councils in Wales are increasingly failing to submit annual returns in accordance with proper practices, keeping inadequate accounting records, and failing to publish information they are legally required to, Audit Wales has warned.

Apr 14, 2025

Campaigners launch legal challenge over whether live events in London park fall under permitted development

A campaign group has issued a letter before claim against Lambeth Council's decision to find plans for a series of live events in a London park fell under permitted development rights.

Apr 11, 2025

Council shelves proposals to redesignate special schools in county following threat of legal action

Kent County Council has confirmed that it will “rethink” the redesignation of special schools as part of its new inclusion strategy, following the threat of legal action.

Apr 11, 2025

Local elections candidates should use new breed of 'Force Elected-Official Advisers' within their police forces: Security Minister

The Security Minister has urged candidates at next month's elections to use the new security support available, which will include access to dedicated police officers for the first time.

Apr 11, 2025

Council fined £200k after man injured installing town’s Christmas tree

Bury Metropolitan Borough Council has been fined £200,000 after an employee was injured while installing the town’s 20-foot Christmas tree.

Apr 11, 2025

Council suspends busking in Leicester Square following court ruling

Westminster City Council has suspended two busking performance pitches in Leicester Square in order to comply with a magistrates’ court ruling that a statutory nuisance exists and is likely to recur from street performers.

Apr 11, 2025

Court of Appeal hands down key ruling on appointment of intermediaries after finding judge was wrong to refuse assistance to vulnerable mother

The Court of Appeal has allowed a mother’s appeal against a judge’s refusal to grant her intermediary assistance in care proceedings, finding that the judge paid “insufficient attention” to the mother’s difficulties.

Apr 11, 2025

Government to issue statutory guidance on audit committees in effort to fix local audit backlog

The Government has announced a raft of new commitments aimed at tackling the local audit backlog, including a promise to issue statutory guidance on audit committees.

Apr 10, 2025

Liverpool earns confidence of improvement board after four years of intervention

Liverpool City Council's Assurance and Improvement Board has expressed confidence in the senior officer and political team's ability to lead the local authority and respond to future challenges following almost four years of Government intervention.

Apr 10, 2025

Council to review guidance on assessment of Blue Badge applications after Ombudsman investigation finds flaws

The London Borough of Hackney has agreed to review the guidance it gives to its assessors who handle applications for a Blue Badge, after a Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) investigation suggested that the local authority’s approach was contrary to government guidance.

Apr 10, 2025

Regulator warns of “fundamental issues” with some lease-based provision of specialised supported housing

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has warned that “very few” lease-based landlords are delivering specialised supported housing in a way that consistently delivers the outcomes required by its regulatory standards.

Apr 10, 2025

Largest FE provider in London appoints law firm to £1.8m contract

Capital City College, the largest further education provider in London, has appointed Eversheds Sutherland to a £1.8m contract to provide legal services.

Apr 10, 2025

Met Police asks for £300k in s106 contributions to mitigate policing impact of 1,600-home development

The Metropolitan Police has called on a developer to agree to more than £300,000 in section 106 contributions in order to handle the increased policing needed for a proposed 1,600-home development in West London.

Apr 10, 2025

Council agrees to quash permission for quarry project: report

Charity the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) has said that a pre-action protocol letter to Northumberland County Council has led the authority to admit to a legal error and agree to enter into a consent order to quash its decision to permit a quarry project.

Apr 10, 2025

High Court judge spells out lessons on case management from care case that reached 80 weeks before final hearing

The Family Division of the High Court has made care orders in respect of four children in a case that reached 80 weeks before final hearing, with the judge warning that threshold should have been agreed at a “much earlier date” to allow the court to focus on welfare.

Apr 10, 2025

City council successfully defends adult social care charging policy at Court of Appeal

Birmingham City Council’s financial turmoil meant it was entitled not to reduce its charges for adult social care and the local authority did not breach the public sector equality duty, the Court of Appeal has found, declining to overturn a ruling last year by Mrs Justice Collins Rice.

Apr 10, 2025

High Court hands down ruling on assessment of housing needs and pre-2018 applications

The High Court has confirmed that duties in section 189A of the Housing Act 1996 apply to homelessness applications under its Part 7 even when made before the section came into force in April 2018, lawyers involved in a case brought against the London Borough of Hillingdon have said.

Apr 10, 2025

Motorcyclist fails in High Court appeal over dismissal of claim against London borough

The High Court has rejected all grounds argued by a motorcyclist who claimed he had been injured in an accident because the London Borough of Lewisham failed to provide adequate warning of a build-out that partly obstructed a road junction.

Apr 10, 2025

Planning Court judge rejects legal challenge to grant of planning permission by inspector for energy recovery facility

Objectors to a proposed energy recovery facility at Portland have lost their High Court bid to halt the project.

Apr 10, 2025

Ombudsman orders independent review of Housing for Women rent recovery practice, after resident incorrectly told she owed over £10,000 in rent

The Housing Ombudsman has highlighted a “significant failing” in Housing for Women’s approach to rent arrears and account management, after the landlord incorrectly told a resident they owed more than £10,000 in missed rent payments.

Apr 09, 2025

Minister rejects council bid to pull out of Greater Manchester joint development plan

The Housing and Planning Minister has refused to grant Oldham Council's request to be excluded from a joint development plan, which was agreed upon among nine Greater Manchester authorities last year.

Apr 09, 2025

Council agrees to name residential school in Education, Health and Care Plan following issuing of legal proceedings

Durham Council has agreed to name a residential school identified as suitable for meeting a child’s complex special educational needs after initially refusing to do so, following the issuing of legal proceedings in the Administrative Court.

Apr 09, 2025

Judge grants permission for judicial review challenge to lack of enforcement action over church building conversion

The High Court has agreed to hear a judicial review challenge of Runnymede District Council's failure to take enforcement action over the conversion of a disused church building into flats.

Apr 09, 2025

Council facing fresh judicial review over environmental permit for incinerator

Calderdale Council has reportedly vowed to contest a potential judicial review challenge over its decision to issue an environmental permit for a waste incinerator.

Apr 09, 2025

Council to pay £6k “symbolic payment” to family of child who missed full year of education due to its failures

An investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has found Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council at fault for failing to provide a child with suitable education for a whole year, and taking too long to issue an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

Apr 08, 2025

Council to "put right" £1.15m payment controversy, says deputy leader

The deputy leader of Castle Point Borough Council has reiterated a commitment to "put right" historic potentially unlawful payments made to senior management known to be worth up to £1.15m.

Apr 08, 2025

Proposed environmental regulation reforms to give regulators more control over permits

The UK and Welsh Governments have unveiled proposals to amend environmental permitting regulations in a bid to simplify and speed up the process for lead regulators the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales "to create, amend and remove types of exempt facilities and activities which are…

Apr 08, 2025

Court of Appeal rejects claim by applicant for council jobs for whistleblower protection

The Court of Appeal has rejected an appeal by a claimant who argued that she had been subjected to a “detriment” because she made a protected disclosure of information after unsuccessfully applying for two posts at a local authority.

Apr 08, 2025

Court of Appeal rejects government appeal over river basin management plans

The Court of Appeal has upheld a High Court ruling that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs acted unlawfully in approving a river basin management plan.

Apr 08, 2025

Devonshires promotes three lawyers to partner including two housing management specialists

Law firm Devonshires has promoted three solicitors to partner in its 2025 promotions round.

Apr 07, 2025

Geldards advises Nottingham City Council on Broad Marsh regeneration project

Law firm Geldards has advised Nottingham City Council on the sale of land and buildings to Homes England ahead of the proposed regeneration of the derelict Broad Marsh shopping centre.

Apr 07, 2025

Large onshore wind farms applications to go through NSIP regime

The House of Commons has backed changes to bring large onshore wind farm developments into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime.

Apr 07, 2025

Unlicensed taxi driver fined, given eight points on driver's licence after committing 543 offences

An unlicensed taxi driver has been fined after admitting that he carried out 543 journeys for his employer after his licence had been revoked.

Apr 07, 2025

Government to review every quango “to see if its existence is justified”

The Cabinet Office is to conduct a review of every arm’s length body (ALB) or quango across government, with a view to close, merge or bring functions back into departments if its continued existence cannot be justified.

Apr 07, 2025

Children’s social care providers will not be “unfairly penalised” for taking in children with complex needs: Ofsted

Ofsted has announced changes to its social care common inspection framework (SCCIF), with the aim of encouraging more homes and agencies to look after children with complex needs, with “added reassurance” that this will not negatively affect their Ofsted rating.

Apr 07, 2025

NHS procurement group names 13 law firms to £200m legal services framework

The North of England NHS Commercial Procurement Collaborative has appointed 13 firms to a legal services framework agreement worth an estimated £200m.

Apr 04, 2025

Cornwall Council “reviewing” decision to cease funding for residential provision at SEND school following launch of legal action by parent

Cornwall Council is reviewing its decision to close the residential provision at a school for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), following a legal challenge.

Apr 04, 2025

Woman found guilty of breaching Public Spaces Protection Order outside abortion clinic

A woman has been convicted of breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) imposed by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, after standing outside a Pregnancy Advisory Clinic holding a sign which read “Here to talk, if you want to”.

Apr 04, 2025

Council told to apologise for failing to action recommendation by Ombudsman to assess woman’s needs as a carer

Southend-on-Sea City Council has agreed to apologise to a mother for twice failing to assess her needs as a carer, despite agreeing to do so following a previous investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Apr 04, 2025

London Mayor to be handed new "call in" powers in licensing pilot

The Mayor of London could be granted new call in powers to review blocked licensing applications in nightlife hotspots as part of a pilot announced today (4 April).

Apr 04, 2025

Martyn’s Law gains Royal Assent

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as ‘Martyn’s Law’, has this week received Royal Assent and become law.

Apr 04, 2025

Birmingham remains in a “fragile” position, minister warns

Birmingham City Council remains in a "fragile" position, as an ongoing dispute over its waste service escalates to a "major incident”, the Local Government Minister has warned.

Apr 04, 2025

Legal advice on phosphates sought privately by councillor could open door to 12,000 dwellings

Somerset Council has said it will review its policy on phosphate mitigation after legal advice suggested improvement works by Wessex Water (WW) could allow for planning permission for almost 12,000 new dwellings in the Somerset Levels and Moors.

Apr 04, 2025

Tenant handed suspended prison sentence for misleading council officers in application to acquire council property under Right to Buy

A man from Barking and Dagenham has been sentenced for housing fraud after being found guilty of “deliberately misleading” council officers in an application to acquire his 3-bed council property under the Right to Buy Scheme.

Apr 04, 2025

Cornwall man banned from keeping dogs for 10 years following successful Criminal Behaviour Order application by council

A man from Cornwall whose dogs killed 22 sheep while roaming free has received a 10-year ban from keeping or owning dogs, after the local authority successfully applied for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Apr 03, 2025

MPs demand action to tackle temporary accommodation crisis linked to deaths of 74 children in last five years

The Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee has called for a fundamental overhaul of temporary accommodation in England, which it says is in crisis and is leaving record high numbers of children without a permanent home.

Apr 03, 2025

London councils call for bespoke devolution deal in English Devolution Bill

Council leaders across London have called for bespoke devolution arrangements in London to be included in the Government's forthcoming English Devolution Bill.

Apr 03, 2025

Combined authority issued with best value notice

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued Tees Valley Combined Authority with a best value notice over governance and culture concerns.

Apr 03, 2025

First-tier Tribunal is “suitable alternative remedy” to judicial review in EHC plan dispute, High Court rules

The High Court has dismissed a judicial review application brought on behalf of a young person with complex needs over the lawfulness of an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan issued by the London Borough of Islington, after finding that the First-tier Tribunal is a “suitable alternative remedy”.

Apr 03, 2025

National park authority fails in Planning Court challenge to decision by inspector to grant permission for home extension

No error was made by a planning inspector who granted an appeal to extend a home after the initial application was rejected by the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA), the High Court has found.

Apr 03, 2025

Councils secure unauthorised encampment injunction but judge issues warning on site provision

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council have secured an injunction to prevent persons unknown from setting up unauthorised encampments in parts of the area, but the borough council has been warned by a judge to improve Gypsy and Traveller provision and consider providing a…

Apr 03, 2025

Street preaching injunction application paused in face of challenge

Rushmoor Borough Council has paused its efforts to pursue an injunction banning street preaching in two town centres after being challenged by a Christian legal campaign group.

Apr 03, 2025

High Court lifts automatic suspension in procurement dispute over £46m care and support services contract, refuses expedited trial

Damages will be a sufficient remedy in a procurement dispute over the provision of community equipment services and technology enabled care and support services should the claimant succeed against Devon County Council, the High Court has concluded.

Apr 02, 2025

Sharpe Pritchard promotes planning and dispute resolution specialists to partner

Leading public law firm Sharpe Pritchard has promoted a dispute resolution specialist and a planning lawyer to partner.

Apr 02, 2025

Council defends judicial review over decision not to consider out of time request for review of suitability of property offered

A claimant has lost his application for judicial review in which he argued that the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea acted irrationally in refusing him a review of the suitability of a property he was offered.

Apr 02, 2025

Defra unveils measures to streamline "outdated" environmental regulation in bid to accelerate planning approvals

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has announced a series of reforms to environmental regulation aimed at driving economic growth and meeting the Government's housebuilding target of 1.5 million before the end of this Parliament.

Apr 02, 2025

Responsibility for fire functions transfers to Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

All fire functions have been transferred from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government from the beginning of this month, the Government has announced.

Apr 02, 2025

Council agrees to train housing staff on Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and Homelessness Code of Guidance after Ombudsman investigation

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council has agreed to provide training or guidance to all of its housing staff on the changes introduced by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 as well as the requirements of chapter 21 of the Homelessness Code of Guidance on domestic abuse, following an investigation by the…

Apr 01, 2025

Police force undertaking “rapid and thorough review” after Hertfordshire couple arrested over complaints made about primary school

The Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has asked for an “explanation” from the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary, after a couple were arrested over complaints they made about their child's primary school, which included comments in a parents' WhatsApp group.

Apr 01, 2025

Council launches legal challenge over decision of planning inspector to allow grey belt development

Walsall Council has launched a statutory review challenge against a planning inspector's decision to allow an appeal and grant planning permission for a temporary battery energy storage facility.

Apr 01, 2025

Birmingham has better understanding of work required for recovery but “cultural dysfunction” is among risks to progress: Commissioners

Birmingham City Council continues to face significant challenges in finances, equal pay, culture, governance, services, and transformation, the local authority's Commissioners have reported.

Apr 01, 2025

Cornwall names council and eight law firms to £12m legal services framework

Cornwall Council has appointed Warwickshire County Council alongside eight law firms to its £12m legal framework agreement.

Apr 01, 2025

Guinness Partnership names nine firms to £9.3m legal services framework

Major social landlord the Guinness Partnership has named nine firms to a legal services framework agreement estimated to be worth £9.3m over four years.

Apr 01, 2025

Tenant wins battle with city council over allocation of housing disrepair case to fast track

A Senior Circuit Judge has backed a tenant in a dispute with Bristol City Council over whether her housing disrepair claim should be allocated to the fast track.

Apr 01, 2025

Settlement reached in judicial review proceedings over Isles of Scilly funding of transport for sixth formers

A settlement has been reached and a final order made by the High Court in judicial review proceedings taken against the Council of the Isles of Scilly, in relation to its decision to limit the increase in grant funding to a total of £8,000 for post-16 transport and accommodation, to enable children…

Apr 01, 2025

Government launches new body to “get a grip” on infrastructure delays

The Government has launched the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) in a bid to accelerate the delivery of major government projects.

Mar 31, 2025

Weightmans names Walton as first female managing partner 

Sarah Walton, previously the client relationships director at Weightmans, has been named the national firm’s first female managing partner.

Mar 31, 2025

Former Liverpool mayor denies bribery and misconduct charges

Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has vowed to clear his name after appearing in court on bribery and misconduct charges.