Welcome to our April Local Government Matters update – packed full with know-how, webinar recordings and our most recently launched toolkit on Shared Services.
This month we are also launching our Regeneration Masterclass series, aimed at assisting colleagues in the regeneration sector explore the various aspects of delivering a successful project. As part of the series we will explore the planning process, governance models, land issues and how to take into consideration local needs to define and deliver successful regeneration outputs. Our team will be at UKREiiF in Leeds in May speaking about these issues in greater detail – we hope to see you there!
We have number of upcoming local government webinars and on-demand recordings featured this month covering topics including leisure provision, the pensions benefit review court case and managing construction disputes (the latter undertaken for our colleagues at Lawyers in Local Government). Registrations are open for our leisure provision webinar with KPMG – as the sector endures unprecedent challenge and change, we look forward to exploring the issues that colleagues in local government leisure provision will need to tackle in the coming months.
List of articles:
T&H Research Publication: Shared Services Toolkit – delivering service differently
Over the last two years we have undertook a series of discussions and wide reaching surveys to gain a deeper understanding of how the public sector approach service delivery, particularly in respect of shared services. This has been a fascinating insight into how the public sector delivers services day to day.
The aim of this toolkit is to explore the shared services models available and their legal basis and look at some of the key questions that need to be asked early on to ensure that the parties are compatible and share the same objectives.
We hope this toolkit acts as both a guide and a useful checklist to achieve successful and collaborative shared service delivery. To discuss your service delivery needs please contact Lucy Doran or Scott Dorling.
Upcoming Webinar on 13th June 10am with T&H and KPMG: Local government leisure provision: challenges and opportunities
This webinar will explore what challenges and opportunities are emerging in the leisure sector with experts from Trowers & Hamlins who have advised a number of local authorities on the issues set out above alongside experts from KPMG who advised those councils that challenged the VAT treatment of leisure services.
The webinar aims to provide some unique insights for local authority colleagues engaged in the sector and how to prepare for further change.
T&H Regeneration Masterclass Series for Local Authorities – launch of full syllabus
The Trowers & Hamlins Regeneration Masterclass series will explore all legal aspects of the processes, including how to avoid failures, so that you have a better chance of making your scheme a success. Over the coming month experts partners and guest presenters from the industry will provide experienced guidance and ideas to promote successful regeneration across the regeneration lifecycle.
Click below to explore the full syllabus and secure your place.
Why is it important to consider data and cybersecurity issues in Mobility-as-a-Service projects?
MaaS or Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS) is set to change conventional mobility with the MaaS/TaaS market rapidly developing across the UK. Click below to read the data and cyber issues that arise from this new transport technology solution.
Building safety regime for registration of existing higher-risk buildings goes live
This month, the Building Safety Regulator opens its online registration portal to enable owners of higher-risk buildings to submit applications to register their buildings, all which must be completed in just under six months' time.
Here, we take a look at what needs to be done straight away, as well as what preparations are required in advance of the full range of building safety duties coming into force later this year.
Disposal of school land held by a local authority
As schools nowadays operate from a much wider range of sites, it can be harder to recognise when the rules on disposals will apply.
Housing Partnerships: When does a property 'joint venture' begin?
At its core, a joint venture is a simple concept really. You split the possible risks, and rewards, of a development opportunity 50:50 with your development partner. But when does this sharing start?
T&H Webinar Recording: Trowers Tuesday – The Pensions Trust pensions benefit review court case
Deborah Shumate, Martin McFall and Mike Rhode, our team of pensions law and litigation specialists, answered your questions with Nicola Ihnatowicz chairing. They discussed the rabbit hole of issues and what you should be doing now to protect your interests.
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.1 – The two week countdown
We set out the top five hurdles that prospective grant recipients will need to clear before drawdown – are you ready?
Powering up Britain – Net Zero Growth Plan
The newly formed Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published this 'blueprint' for the future of energy in the UK.
ChatGPT: risk or revolution?
On 30 November 2022, San Francisco-based company OpenAI launched its latest creation, the ChatGPT chatbot. Within two months, it reached 100 million active users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application ever to be launched.
Airport land: the untapped potential of logistics
There has been a recent flurry of deals and planning permissions such as planning for Columbia Threadneedle to develop a new industrial estate (and warehouses) next to Stansted Airport, Hounslow Council's proposal in its Local Plan Review for a major new industrial estate on Hatton Fields next to Heathrow or the development of CGX Connect at Gloucestershire Airport.
