Welcome to the March edition of Local Government Matters.
In this packed issue, we dive into the Procurement Act, exploring its implications for local authorities as they gear up for the big launch in October. While we eagerly await further procurement guidance and regulations, there’s plenty that contracting authorities can do right now to prepare for this game-changing shift in procurement and post-procurement contract management.
Check out our valuable resources, including:
- Procurement Bitesize Update - our recent webinar
- Flowcharts - navigating the procurement process
- General preparation guidance - get ahead of the curve
And don’t miss our National Head of Procurement, Rebecca Rees, who delivers our popular procurement training support packages. Reach out to Rebecca for more info!
Other highlights include:
- Boosting your cyber resilience
- Fraud detection
- The impact of AI on the public sector with Localis - join us for insights into how AI is reshaping the public sector (details below)
Technology impacts and implementation are reoccurring themes for our clients and we are navigating new terrain on AI for a number of councils.
Enjoy this month’s edition, complete with access to our webinar portal and local government podcasts.
List of articles:
Preparations for the New Procurement Act 2023
The Procurement Act 2023 will introduce a new public procurement regime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from October 2024.
In this article, Head of Public Procurement, Rebecca Rees covers what you can do to prepare for the new changes to come.
New guidance published on the menopause and the workplace
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued guidance on menopause and the workplace. In this update, our Employment team unpick the guidance and offer support for organisations on how to manage menopause in the workplace.
Online Safety: in the news and on the statute books
With a flurry of recent news stories looking at the role of the internet in our society and how it can be made a safer space for all to use, Adele Shepherd and Imelda Kavanagh look at the role of the Online Safety Act 2023 and how it will seek to protect internet users from harmful content.
The 'brownfield presumption' – problem solved?
As part of its long-term plan for housing, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced on 13 February 2024 that every council in England will be told that they will need to prioritise brownfield residential developments.
As the public consultation gets underway, Rita Bange, Senior Associate in our Real Estate Development team runs through the key issues to unlocking brownfield sites.
Preparations for the New Procurement Act 2023
The Procurement Act 2023 will introduce a new public procurement regime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from October 2024.
In this article, Head of Public Procurement, Rebecca Rees covers what you can do to prepare for the new changes to come.
Procurement Act 2023 – Notices flowchart
With the increased flexibility under the Procurement Act 2023 (the Act) comes an enhanced transparency regime.
The notices flowchart explains in plain language the requirements in relation to notices under the new Act, setting out where a contracting authority may be expected and/or required to publish notices in relation to procurement activity.
Remediation Order fails to clarify what counts as a 'relevant defect' under the Building Safety Act
Remediation Orders under the Building Safety Act 2022 (the BSA) can only be made in relation to 'relevant defects' but there is currently little specific guidance on what these are.
In this article we look at one specific First Tier Tribunal (FTT) case concerning internal fire compartmentalisation and why it has failed to answer the question of whether a "relevant defect" can include internal fire safety remediation.
2024 is a significant year in public procurement, Since our last webinar, the Procurement bill has become the Procurement Act 2023.
Our latest Procurement Update webinar covered the what we know about the Procurement Act and how to get ready, recent case law decisions and a run down of the PPNs issues over the last 6 months.
In the second edition of our quarterly Fraud and Cyber Insight – our fraud and cyber experts outline the key developments across the tech, cyber and fraud sphere and practical considerations for businesses to become more fraud and cyber resilient.
In this edition:
- the key steps recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre following its report on the growing risk of cyberattacks
- a round-up of fraud and cyber legal developments in 2023
Amardeep Gill joins the Localis panel for their policy webinar on AI and local government, discussing the opportunities, challenges, and governance issues of integrating AI into public services and council functions. The webinar aims to share insights and best practices among local leaders, policymakers, stakeholders, and experts on how to use AI responsibly and effectively.
The concept of high street rental auctions was first introduced in the Queen's Speech in May 2022 under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill in a bid to revitalise the high street and tackle the number of empty shops.
In this blog for Lawyers in Local Government, Lucie Allen looks into the statutory framework, the outcomes of the consultation and asks if high street rental auctions have the desired effect.
Artificial Intelligence: Threat or Opportunity?
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative force, promising a future brimming with possibilities. However, amidst the excitement and anticipation, there are concerns about the potential risks and ethical implications of this powerful technology.
To unpack and demystify this complex terrain, Trowers & Hamlins hosted an in-person roundtable and we are delighted to share the outcome of the roundtable in a new report entitled 'Artificial Intelligence: Threat or Opportunity?'
