Local authorities operate within a complex legal framework involving statutory duties, governance requirements, and public accountability. Whether you're a council needing legal support or a business working with local government, specialist guidance ensures compliance and effective outcomes.
What Our Local Authority Solicitors Can Help With
- Corporate Governance: Council constitutions, committee procedures, and decision-making
- Planning and Development: Development control, enforcement, and planning agreements
- Housing Services: Social housing, homelessness duties, and housing enforcement
- Education Services: School governance, admissions, and special educational needs
- Social Care: Adult and children's services, safeguarding, and care proceedings
- Commercial Services: Trading companies, partnerships, and commercial ventures
- Employment Issues: Local government employment law and TUPE transfers
- Judicial Review Defence: Defending challenges to council decisions
Local Authority Legal Framework
Key Legislation:
- Local Government Act 1972
- Local Government Act 2000
- Localism Act 2011
- Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007
- Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014
- General Power of Competence provisions
Governance Requirements:
- Executive arrangements and cabinet systems
- Committee structures and delegation schemes
- Overview and scrutiny functions
- Standards and ethical frameworks
- Public participation and consultation
- Transparency and openness requirements
Planning and Development Services
Development Control:
- Planning application determination
- Development plan preparation and examination
- Community Infrastructure Levy implementation
- Section 106 planning obligations
- Planning enforcement and appeals
- Listed building and conservation area controls
Regeneration and Development:
- Compulsory purchase orders
- Development partnerships and joint ventures
- Urban development corporations
- Business improvement districts
- Land assembly and disposal
- State aid and subsidy control
Housing and Social Services
Housing Services:
- Homelessness prevention and relief duties
- Housing allocations and choice-based lettings
- Housing enforcement and licensing
- Right to buy and housing stock transfers
- Disabled facilities grants and adaptations
- Housing company governance
Social Care and Safeguarding:
- Adult social care assessments and provision
- Children's services and child protection
- Safeguarding adults and children procedures
- Mental capacity and deprivation of liberty
- Care home commissioning and quality
- Direct payments and personal budgets
Commercial Activities and Partnerships
Trading and Commercial Services:
- Local authority trading companies
- Commercial investment strategies
- Joint ventures and partnerships
- Outsourcing and shared services
- Income generation and charging policies
- State aid and competition law compliance
Procurement and Contracts:
- Public procurement compliance
- Contract procedure rules
- Framework agreements and call-offs
- Social value and local procurement
- Contract management and dispute resolution
- TUPE and service transfers
Financial Management and Accountability
Financial Framework:
- Budget setting and council tax determination
- Section 151 officer duties and responsibilities
- Capital finance and borrowing powers
- Treasury management and investments
- Financial resilience and sustainability
- External audit and value for money
Accountability and Transparency:
- Freedom of Information Act compliance
- Environmental Information Regulations
- Data protection and GDPR requirements
- Local government ombudsman complaints
- Standards committee procedures
- Whistleblowing policies and procedures
Employment and Staffing Issues
Local Government Employment:
- Terms and conditions of employment
- Redundancy and restructuring
- Equal pay and job evaluation
- Disciplinary and grievance procedures
- Employment tribunal representation
- Chief executive and senior officer appointments
Service Transfers and TUPE:
- Outsourcing and insourcing arrangements
- TUPE consultation and information
- Pensions admission agreements
- Employee protection and harmonization
- Trade union recognition and consultation
Regulatory and Licensing Functions
Licensing and Regulation:
- Alcohol and entertainment licensing
- Taxi and private hire licensing
- Street trading and market licensing
- Environmental health enforcement
- Building control and regulations
- Trading standards and consumer protection
Enforcement Powers:
- Prosecution policies and procedures
- Fixed penalty notices and cautions
- Injunctive relief and civil enforcement
- Proceeds of crime and asset recovery
- Anti-social behavior and community protection
Risk Management and Legal Challenges
Common Legal Risks:
- Judicial review of council decisions
- Human rights and equality claims
- Negligence and personal injury claims
- Contract disputes and performance issues
- Employment tribunal claims
- Regulatory and statutory compliance
Risk Mitigation Strategies:
- Robust decision-making procedures
- Legal advice and risk assessments
- Insurance and indemnity arrangements
- Training and capacity building
- Regular policy and procedure reviews
- Early dispute resolution and mediation
Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Local Authority Work
- Local Government Specialists: Solicitors focusing on municipal law
- Statutory Knowledge: Deep understanding of local authority powers and duties
- Governance Expertise: Experience in council procedures and decision-making
- Commercial Understanding: Balancing legal and business objectives
- Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating legal and financial risks
- Sector Experience: Working with councils across England and Wales
Local authority work requires specialist knowledge of municipal law, governance requirements, and the unique challenges facing local government.
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.
