Local Authority round-up 23/08/24
23rd August, 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.
Regulatory
Government to repeal Trade Union Act 2016
The Government is set to repeal the Trade Union Act 2016, in an attempt to bolster the rights of working people. This follows the Government’s intent to repeal the Strikes Act 2023, which introduced minimum services levels to maintain essential services during strike action.
The Trade Union Act introduced a higher threshold for unions to hold legal strike action, by including a minimum 50% turnout requirement. For public sectors such as education, health and transport, 40% of the entire membership must support strike action for it to be legal.
The previous Conservative Government supported the Act, stating it would ensure a “clear and positive democratic mandate” for industrial action. However, the new Labour Government argues that the legislation attacks the right to strike.
It is said that the Government seeks to increase co-operation and minimise disruption to stabilise and boost the economy.
For more information please click here.
Planning and Housing
LGA seeks evidence on institutional investment into affordable housing
The Local Government Association (LGA) has issued a call for evidence, in partnership with the British Property Federation, on how the current level of institutional investment in affordable housing might be expanded to increase the supply of new affordable housing.
The LGA has stated that affordable housing was vital “at a time when cost of living and inflationary pressures has made market housing become increasingly unaffordable”.
A spokesperson for the LGA has said that the organisation would like to “hear from all stakeholders across the sector – institutional investors, registered providers, councils, charities – about how the current system works for their ambitions to deliver on their fiduciary duties and any wider social goals through affordable housing”.
The findings of the survey will be published at the of the year.
For more information, and to complete the survey, please click here.
Education
Councils warn the Government about funding pressures on SEND services
Councils have expressed “grave concerns” concerning pressures on services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), arguing that financial support from the Government is “falling short”.
The Department for Education’s Safety Valve Programme provides financial assistance to local authorities with the highest SEND deficits, under the premise that these councils would use these funds to reduce their deficit and manage spending. However, many councils have stressed that the Safety Valve Programme does not cover the “actual costs” of providing SEND services. This assertion is supported by the investigation by Schools Week which found that more than a third of councils on the scheme faced bankruptcy, despite receiving more than £1bn in additional funding.
It is reported that the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) is also urging the Government to reform the system in relation to SEND to allow more children to enrol into mainstream education.
The Education Secretary has said that the new Government will be taking a different approach to the issues raised by local authorities to improve the provision of SEND services.
For more information please click here.
Upcoming Events
Webinar: Healthcare Employment Law Update
On Thursday 5th September at 10am, join our employment specialists who will be providing a wide-ranging update on the latest developments and case law in the field. Our experts will also examine the potential reforms that have emerged since the election, helping to clarify the uncertainties that many are currently facing. Additionally, you will be available to answer any questions you may have during the session.
To register your place please click here.
Webinar: Data Protection – The use of private messaging apps at work
Join our experts on Thursday 12th September between 12pm-1pm for the second webinar in our 2024 ‘Data Protection’ series, focusing on ‘the use of private messaging apps at work’.
Our commercial specialists will cover the following:
- Corporate liability for things said and done by employees on private messaging apps;
- Measures to put in place with employees to control private messaging use;
- Private messaging and Article 28 of UK GDPR;
- Private messaging and subject access requests;
- Recent case law on the use of private messaging apps at work; and
- Q&A Session: An opportunity for attendees to engage with our experts and clarify any queries or concerns.
To register your place 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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