Welcome to the March Edition of Trowers Local Government Matters newsletter.
Local authorities across the UK continue to operate in a period of rapid legislative, structural and technological change. From the ongoing programme of devolution and local government reform to the practical implementation of the Procurement Act 2023, councils are navigating a complex landscape that requires careful governance, strategic procurement and organisational adaptability.
This edition of Local Government Matters brings together insights and resources designed to support authorities through these developments. Our AI Hub and Local Government Safe & Ethical AI report explore how councils and public bodies can harness artificial intelligence responsibly, balancing innovation with accountability, transparency and public trust. Alongside this, our Devolution and Local Government Reform Hub provides practical analysis of the policy direction shaping the future structure and powers of local government.
Authorities are also preparing for the implications of the Employment Rights Act, which will introduce important changes affecting workforce management, employment practices and service delivery across the sector. We have included a number of articles and webinars on the related issues. At the same time, with the Procurement Act 2023 now in force for a year, many authorities are reviewing how the new regime is working in practice and how to manage transitional issues within existing contractual and procurement arrangements – our recent webinar brings these issues into sharp focus.
Across this issue you will find commentary, practical guidance and upcoming webinars and resources designed to help local authorities navigate reform, strengthen procurement strategy and respond confidently to the evolving legal and policy environment.
Safe and Ethical AI
Earlier this year we explored what safe and ethical AI really means in practice and how to harness innovation without compromising integrity.
As AI continues to reshape business and public services, we have created a dedicated space where we've brought together all of our insights, analysis and practical guidance from this month and beyond, diving into different aspects on one of the most important questions facing organisations today.
This hub is designed to help businesses and public bodies navigate AI confidently whilst balancing innovation with accountability, transparency and trust.
Governance of AI in the Public Sector
Drawing on our Public Sector AI implementation projects and insights from technical leaders working at the cutting edge of AI, this report sets out a clear, practical blueprint for public bodies deploying and managing AI responsibly.
Navigating the AI rulebook: UK regulation, global trends, and what's next
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform how businesses operate and public services are delivered. Yet unlike other areas of technology, the regulation of AI is still a moving target.
Employment Rights Act
The Employment Rights Act 2025 represents the most significant overhaul of workers' rights in a generation, with changes rolling out over the next 18 months. To help you keep up to date, we have lots of insights, webinars and more to keep you updated.
HR Law hub
Our hub provides updates, ensuring you’re always informed about legislative shifts, landmark cases, and emerging trends
Trowers Tuesday webinars - navigating change with the ERA
Over the coming weeks, our webinar series will be focusing on the key changes. Please click the links below to watch the recording or join us for the next webinar ion the series.
Unfair dismissal: the new rules
Family-Friendly Rights
24th March - 11.30am - 12.15pm
Trade Union Reforms
14th April - 11.30am - 12.15pm
Local government reform and procurement
Devolution and Local government reform hub
Our dedicated hub brings together expert analysis, guidance and practical tools to help you navigate this landscape with clarity. From understanding the legislative detail to managing its practical impact, our leading public sector team is on hand to support authorities and partners through every stage of reform.
Explore our resources – and get in touch to discuss how these changes may affect your organisation.
Local Government Reform: navigating contracts and procurement
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is advancing across England, replacing two‑tier areas with new unitary councils and reshaping accountability, service delivery and commercial footprints.
For procurement teams, LGR lands just as the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) is bedding in. Together, these major policy changes are redefining how local authorities procure and manage long‑term contracts.
In this article, Louis Sebastian looks at long term contracts, planning procurements under the new regime and more.
Almost a year on - how has the Procurement Act 2023 faired?
Anyone else surprised it has been almost a year since the Procurement Act 2023 (PA2023) came into force? It feels like only yesterday we were preparing advice to clients for competitive flexible procedures yet to commence and notices soon to be published.
So how much change has the PA2023 actually brought? Has it been the positive push and domestication of public procurement that the Green Paper heralded? In this article we reflect on some observations arising from the first year of the PA2023.
Policing procurement: The procurement compliance service
A year on from the Procurement Act 2023 (the Act) coming into force, it has well and truly begun its process of bedding in.
But what about the significant issues that might arise in the way that procurements are being run? How will those be dealt with under the Act? This is where the Procurement Compliance Service comes into play, a specialist function within the overarching Procurement Review Unit, tasked with overseeing compliance with the Act.
Webinar: The Procurement Act 2023 – one year on
In our latest webinar, our hosts reflected on the first year since the Procurement Act came into force and explored the key issues that have been keeping procurement professionals and their clients busy.
The session covered a range of topics, including the Competitive Flexible Procedure, the notices regime, preparing effective assessment summaries, managing standstill and more.
