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Elections and changes in the UK's national governments have resulted in changes in priorities and policies. These changes in domestic legislative programmes are likely to be constant in the coming months, not least with the resource intensity of Brexit. Identifying opportunities requires an interpretation of such policies and the implications will require the forging of new relationships with private and public sectors.
Our experience is borne from years of experience advising central government and their delivery agencies on infrastructure projects and regulatory and compliance issues. We continue to advise on national infrastructure programmes in health, education and energy as well as advising regulators and ombudsman on compliance issues.
The latest Central Government & Agencies news and articles can be found at Bevan Brittan's Insight Information Hub
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We are a firm that works with, and understands the public sector. As a leading local government, health and housing practice we understand the interface and interdependencies with central government and its many agencies.
Our sector knowledge has supported much work over the years in advising and delivering national programmes in health, education, waste and energy. Our regulatory practice continues to grow, and we regularly work with a range of clients including the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, Local Government Ombudsman, and Public Sector Audit Appointments. This gives us an unrivalled perspective on the range of issues you face, the solutions many are considering and the issues arising from implementation.
Our depth of expertise spans all aspects of legal skills. This is reflected in our recent appointment to the Crown Commercial Service panel and the National Procurement Service framework in Wales.
We have 15 Partners primarily focused the issues and work associated with central government.
Are you the one in five that will issue a Section 114 notice in 2024?*
We know that many of our local authority clients are either facing, or about to face, one of the most difficult and financially challenging times of the 21st century. With an estimated £4 billion funding gap over the next two years, local authorities are going to have to make some tough decisions around service provisions for their constituents.
Whilst we know that 2024/25 will bring the opportunity to increase general council tax by 3%, without the need for a referendum, and those with social care responsibilities can increase adult social care percept by 2%, many are concerned that this will not go far enough to close the funding gap.
Many local authorities are now struggling with their statutory and contractual obligations, and combined with a reduction in their real terms spending power, there are a range of considerations in play to try and avoid having to issue a s114 report.
Where this is unavoidable and a s114 report is issued, the authority is prevented from entering into any new agreement which may involve the incurring of expenditure (at any time) by the authority unless it is to fulfil a statutory obligation or the chief finance officer authorises the local authority to do so (in the limited situations conferred by statute).
In trying to re-balance the books a local authority may need to look at:
- Re-commissioning services so as to achieve best value
- Managing contracts efficiently and effectively, holding providers to account
- Selling assets
- Recovering debts (particularly in respect of adult social care and s106)
- Cutting or charging for non-essential services
- Saving costs more generally (e.g. tackling empty homes)
- Implementing effective spending control measures
- Financial assistance and council tax rises
A number of our clients are asking what we can do to help.
We are working alongside a number of our clients to support them through these tough decisions and to ensure we help maximise the financial benefit of every decision made, whilst considering the impact on their constituents.
Seeking advice now about the options available to you, learning from others that are already experiencing these difficult times and planning ahead will help you support your authority over the next 18 months.
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To hear more about what is happening in the market, how we can support you to navigate these decisions and, work together to deliver the best outcomes for your organisation and your constituents please contact us.
*stats according to Local Government Association 6 December 2023.
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