In a recent article Paul Feild expressed concern that the LLG, CIPFA and Solace’s 2024 Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers places onerous obligations on the Monitoring Officer without consideration as to how they might deal with them. Philip McCourt, who drafted the Code, responds to those concerns and says its publication presents an opportunity to lobby…

Adam Carey analyses the requests – ranging from legislative changes to funding reform – made by councils in the first set of productivity plans submitted to Government last month.

The Charity Commission has issued a warning to local authorities over the failure to comply with legal duties as charity trustees. Paul Hilsdon looks at the steps councils should take.

Geoff Wild analyses the extent of councillors’ entitlement to information from their authority.

Paul Feild asks whether the 2024 Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers will put monitoring officers in a difficult position, if the role is inadequately resourced and with a low status.

When it comes to funding for local authorities, are there more options out there? Imogen Fisher, Jonathan Grosvenor and Lowri Fernyhough assess the possibilities.

Geoff Wild provides guidance about Schedule 12A Local Government Act 1972 and the withholding of information.

A High Court judge recently allowed an appeal against the striking out of a claim against a police force and the CPS which had claimed immunity from suit. Jon Baines explains why.

In this second article, Rob Hann, (Head of Local Government at Sharpe Pritchard) sets out some lessons from the development of the PFI investment programme which Labour rolled out between 1997 and 2010 which might help a new local government investment programme as Sir Keir Starmer’s led Government takes power following the 2024 General Election.

LLG, CIPFA and SOLACE have this week published the Code of Practice on Good Governance for Local Authority Statutory Officers. Philip McCourt explains its purpose.

The High Court has dismissed a challenge to a licensing authority’s use of remote hearings. Matt Lewin explains what this means for licensing authorities.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has recently issued welcomed guidance on best value standards and interventions, following a consultation last summer, writes Olivia Carter.

Preparing for the annual governance statement is a good time for local authorities to undertake a governance health-check of their companies, suggests Matt Marsh.

Ibrahim Hasan looks at the rules around freedom of information requests ahead of the general election.

Following the prime minister’s announcement that a general election will take place on 4 July, Steve Gummer and Beth Edwards provide an outline on what this means for local authorities.

The transition of functions, obligations and liabilities of Local Enterprise Partnerships has not been smooth and there are a number of issues which remain outstanding. Tiffany Cloynes, Rebecca Gilbert and Chantal Davison consider the present position and how some of those issues may be resolved.

The Court of Appeal’s upholding of a High Court judgment which quashed the decision by the Home Secretary to transfer the powers of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to the Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is a salutary reminder of the need to fully comply with consultation requirements, writes Matt Marsh.

Thanh Lanh-Connolly looks at how local authority legal teams can harness AI power to improve efficiency in commercial and corporate matters.

Sophie Alexander provides a critical analysis of the likely impact of the Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Act 2023 on local authorities and their companies.

A recent decision of Fordham J highlights some useful practice points about settling judicial review cases, writes Charlotte Tosti.