AC local - Local government newsletter spring 2024
Welcome to our spring newsletter. We are aware of the significant pressure local authorities continue to face, especially after the recent budget setting processes.
In this edition of our newsletter, Claire Ward focuses on the first steps for councils in redesigning
services following budget setting. Matt Marsh has some top tips for councils when undertaking
governance health checks of wholly owned companies.
Our pensions lead, Douglas Mullen, has some commentary around Local Government Pension
Schemes surpluses and whether they could help plug holes in local government finances.
Also in this edition, Emma Lloyd and Stuart Evans look at the compulsory purchase reforms in
the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023; Gayle Monk and Matthew Puddick look at whether
decarbonisation grants have too many strings attached and Alex Lawrence considers the approach
councils should take in managing changes in law before, during and after a waste procurement
process.
We hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter and that it is useful. Let us know if there are any
issues you want more information on or you want to talk through.
As plans for the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 gathers pace, we will soon be
producing a guide for local authorities which will assist when it comes to amending contract
procedure rules. Watch out for more on this in due course.
Matthew Gregson, partner.