Overview

Eversheds’ latest update containing articles, statutory instruments and case law for lawyers working in, or with, local government in England and Wales.

As the Coalition Government moves ahead with its proposals for changes affecting the public sector, local
authorities are still faced with some uncertainty about how exactly these changes will take effect in practice.

For example, even before the amended executive arrangements which were introduced by the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 have been brought into place for non-metropolitan district councils in England, the Government has indicated that it intends to introduce legislation to allow local authorities to return to the old committee system.

Nevertheless, in the meantime, the Government has made it clear that those councils must go through the process of introducing the executive arrangements required under current legislation, including their statutory obligations for consultation but has indicated that it expects this consultation to be carried out at minimal cost.

The shock news recently is that the Audit Commission is to be abolished. Whilst there was no doubt about the abolition of the Comprehensive Area Assessment, the recent announcement was unexpected.