Local Authority round-up: 14/06/24
14th June, 2024
Our Local Authority round up provides brief summaries of topical information on a weekly basis, to keep you aware of the changes and updates relevant to you.
Commercial
LGA publishes report on use of AI in local government
The Local Government Association (LGA) published Local government: State of the sector: AI which reports on how AI is currently utilised by councils in England.
The survey closed at the end of March 2024 with 23% of English councils responding. The LGA notes that this level of response should represent a ‘snapshot’ of respondents rather than a representation of all councils.
The survey found that many councils are proactively piloting a range of AI solutions across various service areas. It noted that staff capacity and a lack of dedicated funding meant that the increased adoption of AI and readiness in local government was limited.
However, the LGA stressed that robust governance frameworks and safeguards should be firmly established to mitigate the risks associated with AI moving forward.
For more information, please click here.
New Government proposals to increase NHS dental care
The Government has launched a consultation which could require newly qualified dentists to deliver NHS care for several years after they graduate or repay their training fees. This would form part of the Government’s NHS Long Term Workforce Plan to recover dentistry and boost the dental workforce through 40% training expansion.
The Government argues that experience in NHS dentistry will produce well-rounded clinicians who can deliver high quality patient care, and can be supplemented by additional work in private dentistry. The Government believes this balance will improve our skilled dental workforce.
There is currently no requirement for dentists to work in the NHS following the completion of their training. This is in stark contrast to a graduate medic who must undertake a minimum of one year foundation training to register as a doctor, and at least 3 years of general practice training to become a GP.
For more information, please click here.
Planning and Housing
Homes England set to beat their annual targets
Provisional figures indicate that Homes England have exceeded its 2023/24 annual targets for the amount of new homes which have begun construction, the number of new homes completed and the scale of land unlocked for new housing.
Homes England have:
- Enabled the completion of more than 32,000 homes, vs a target of 29,641.
- Facilitated the start of construction for 35,000 homes, vs a target of 32,967.
- Unlocked land to deliver more than 26,000 further homes, vs a target of 25,788.
The provisional performance figures are part of Homes England’s annual report, which will be published this summer.
For more information, please click here.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
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