20/11/2024
Welcome to the November edition of Local Authority View, an update summarising recent Government publications, legislation, cases and other developments relevant to those involved in the local authority sector.
This month, we have covered the following:
- Some brief thoughts on the Budget and the Deputy PM's speech
- Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report: Recommendations for Local Authorities
- The scale of the SEND challenge for Local Authorities
- Employment Rights Bill
- Practical tips for DSARs
- A holistic approach to subsidy, procurement and competition law compliance
Some brief thoughts on the Budget and the Deputy PM’s speech
With pressures on local authorities becoming particularly acute in 2024, there is at least a sliver of light at the end of the tunnel with recent statements from the Deputy PM and the commitments made by the Chancellor in the Budget.
Speaking at the recent LGA conference, Angela Rayner seemed genuinely passionate about resetting the relationship between central and local government, amongst other things pledging to stop bidding wars for funding pots and facilitating further and deeper devolution. This is the beginning, rather than the end, of the conversation and most in local government firmly believe it is they who are best placed to make a real difference to their localities, making the decisions on, and holding the funding for, spending and investments decisions that affect their residents.
Rachel Reeves has, through the local government finance settlement, announced c£1.3bn of extra funding for the next financial year. When combined with locally retained business rates and council tax flexibilities, the LGA anticipates that this will amount to a real-terms increase in total core spending power in 2025/26 of around 3.2%. It’s encouraging, but it isn’t enough. Indeed, there is a clear recognition in the Budget that the financial pressures faced by local authorities are on the increase (shown, not least, in the number of s114 notices and applications for Exceptional Financial Support) and there is a pledge to have a framework in place to support those in most difficulty.
Protecting the vulnerable in society is another visible theme. Given the pressures on children’s social care in particular, it is great to see the additional £1bn of SEND funding. This is a step in the right direction but it needs to be combined with a commitment for central and local government to work together to treat to cause and not just the symptoms of the spiralling costs and pressures of the current system. Further, the £1bn extension to the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments will also help councils provide welfare support to the most vulnerable households.
It is interesting that in her recent speech Angela Rayner did ‘commit’ to multi-year funding settlements and most in the sector would agree this is exactly what is required to make real headway in allowing local councils the breathing space and stable footing to identify funding and investment priorities and commit to those with confidence in the short to medium term. You can almost feel the collective holding of breath as we all eagerly wait to see what will materialise on this front.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report: Recommendations for Local Authorities
In September 2024, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry published its Phase 2 report. In this article, we look at the recommendations set out as a result of the enquiry.
The scale of the SEND challenge for local authorities
After 10 years of the Children and Families Act 2014 and after 100 days (or thereabouts) of a new government, there remain a number of headwinds affecting Local Authorities and their delivery of SEND provision.
The Employments Rights Bill
On 10 October 2024 the government published the eagerly anticipated Employment Rights Bill (the Bill) and the Next Steps to Make Work Pay policy paper.
Practical Tips for DSARs
In this article, Vicki Bowles gives some practical tips on how to reduce the burden of DSARs on Local Authorities.
A holistic approach to subsidy, procurement and competition law compliance
At Bevan Brittan, we have built a team of specialist lawyers who work across the specialisms of subsidy control, public procurement and competition law. Why is that?
