Local Authority round-up: 31/01/25

Regulatory

New measures announced to combat knife crime

The Government has announced that a stringent 2-step system will be mandated for all retailers selling knives online. This system will require customers to submit photo ID at the point of sale and again on delivery.

In addition, delivery companies will only be able to deliver a bladed article to the same person who purchased it. It will also be illegal to leave a package containing a bladed weapon on a doorstep when no one is present to receive it.

The Government also seeks to hold social media executives to account for knife crime related content which glorifies and incites violence amongst young people. It is anticipated that social media companies could face significant fines for failing to remove knife crime related content from their platforms.

The measures announced are set to be included as part of the Crime and Policing Bill which is expected to be introduced to Parliament by spring.

For more information please click here.

Commercial

Government supports Heathrow expansion

The Government has announced their support for the expansion of Heathrow Airport by approving the construction of a third runway. This decision aims to increase airport capacity, improve the UK’s global connectivity, and boost the economy with the project expected to generate 100,000 new jobs.
However, critics of the expansion have argued that the increased air traffic from a third runway will significantly contribute to higher carbon emissions, undermining the UK’s environmental goals, particularly in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The expansion has also faced strong opposition from local communities who are likely to be effected by the increase in noise and air pollution.

For more information please click here.

Housing

Homes England promotes Section 106 Affordable Housing Clearing Service

A Section 106 Agreement is a planning obligation that requires developers to contribute to local infrastructure and community facilities, such as affordable housing, schools and parks as a condition of planning permission.

Home England have urged organisations to register on the new Section 106 Affordable Housing Clearing Service which aims to facilitate and accelerate the sale of affordable homes across England by connecting buyers and sellers on a single database.

It is recorded that more than 70 housebuilders have registered to provide details of affordable homes they have planning permission to build but have yet to find a buyer for. They join numerous local authorities who are utilising the service to view available information about potential opportunities.

For more information please click here.

Upcoming events

Essential HR Training

Join our expert Business Immigration team on Tuesday 25th February at 10am for our online ‘Essential HR Training’.

This training will focus on the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (“ETA”) scheme which will be fully rolled out in the UK by 2 April 2025. We will provide in-depth guidance on the new scheme during the webinar, addressing potential issues that businesses need to be aware.

This session is aimed at HR professionals, business owners and business leaders. It will be of particular interest for businesses with a global workforce who regularly travel to the UK for work related activities.

To book your place please click here.

If you have any questions about the issues raised in this update, please do not hesitate to get in touch.