Related insights: Public, Government Services and Third Sector
The latest PPN updates in procurement law
12 Apr 2024
In March 2024, the Cabinet Office published a new Procurement Policy Note (PPN) ('PPN 02/24: Improving Transparency of AI use in Procurement') to address the Government's increased adoption of Artificial Technology and provide further guidance around the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The aim of the PPN is to ensure steps are being taken to identify and manage the associated risks and opportunities involved in the increased use of AI.
This PPN applies to all Central Government departments, their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies but other contracting authorities may also wish to apply the approach set out.
This PPN applies to all Central Government departments, their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies but other contracting authorities may also wish to apply the approach set out.
New homes for refugees in Bristol to be created by flagship £2.5m public and private sector deal
12 Apr 2024
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised on the creation of a unique partnership which will make available new high-quality housing for Ukrainian refugees while paving the way for future affordable housing schemes in Bristol.
12 flats in the city has been purchased with the aim of providing local, affordable housing for refugees in a manner which has seen private and public investment combined with support from leading social enterprise ACH (Ashley Community & Housing).
12 flats in the city has been purchased with the aim of providing local, affordable housing for refugees in a manner which has seen private and public investment combined with support from leading social enterprise ACH (Ashley Community & Housing).
Charities Act 2022: further changes coming into force on 7 March 2024
06 Mar 2024
When the Charities Act 2022 (the Act) first received Royal Assent back on 24 February 2022, it introduced a number of new laws with the aim of simplifying and modernising the regulation of charities in England and Wales. Since then, these changes have been implemented in stages with the latest tranche now due to come into force on Thursday 7 March. (for more information on the previous tranches please read our article here).
Changes to UK Intellectual Property Office address for service rules
04 Mar 2024
On 1 January 2024, the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) updated their rules governing address for service (AFS) requirements for comparable UK trade mark and design registrations. Guidance on the changes can be found here. Briefly, if any contentious proceedings are lodged on or after 1 January 2024 against a comparable UK trade mark or design, appointment of a UK, Gibraltar or Channel Island address for service is required.
A lesson in local authority decision-making: Pratt v Exeter City Council
28 Feb 2024
The judgement against Exeter City Council (ECC) provides a useful reminder to Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) of their duties when granting planning permission. Notably, LPAs are reminded of their duty, known as the Tameside duty, to take reasonable steps to ensure that they have made sufficient enquiry before making a decision to grant planning permission. Further, it reminds LPAs of the importance of taking into account all material considerations, rather than just relying on the information presented by a developer in a planning application.
The National Security Act 2023: what is changing and what do you need to know
20 Feb 2024
The National Security Act 2023 (the Act) received Royal Assent on 11 July 2023. We take a look at what new measures the Act has introduced and what you need to know about the changes.
What you need to know about heat networks
15 Feb 2024
Andrew Hirst and Rebecca Cowley discuss the heat networks revolution, how it will work and the effect on all stakeholders, from owners to investors.
Heat networks provide relatively low cost, low-carbon heat which can help the UK to meet its legally binding targets to slash greenhouse gas emissions. In the UK, there are currently 14,000 operational networks, although they tend to have a relatively low public profile.
In July 2018, the Competition and Market Authority’s heat networks market study calculated that heat networks provide just 2% of UK buildings’ heat demand. The independent Committee on Climate Change has estimated that to meet carbon targets, around 18% of the UK’s heat needs to come from heat networks by 2050. This could require investment of between £30bn and £50bn.
Heat networks provide relatively low cost, low-carbon heat which can help the UK to meet its legally binding targets to slash greenhouse gas emissions. In the UK, there are currently 14,000 operational networks, although they tend to have a relatively low public profile.
In July 2018, the Competition and Market Authority’s heat networks market study calculated that heat networks provide just 2% of UK buildings’ heat demand. The independent Committee on Climate Change has estimated that to meet carbon targets, around 18% of the UK’s heat needs to come from heat networks by 2050. This could require investment of between £30bn and £50bn.
New 'Planning Unplugged' podcast episode discusses Biodiversity Net Gain from a local authority perspective
20 Dec 2023
As new biodiversity net gain regulations look to take effect from 2024, what should local authorities be doing to prepare?
In the second episode of our 'Planning Unplugged' podcast series, our host and managing associate Kate Ashworth is joined by managing associates James Clark and Helen Robinson to talk about what steps authorities have to take to embrace the raft of changes, and how its not just the planning departments who need to keep an eye on the latest moves.
In the second episode of our 'Planning Unplugged' podcast series, our host and managing associate Kate Ashworth is joined by managing associates James Clark and Helen Robinson to talk about what steps authorities have to take to embrace the raft of changes, and how its not just the planning departments who need to keep an eye on the latest moves.
Procurement Act 2023: Government launches first guidance and training initiatives
11 Dec 2023
The Procurement Act received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023 and was introduced to reform the UK's public procurement regime in the wake of Brexit. The Act aims to place the following factors at the centre of the procurement process: value for money, public good, transparency, integrity, equal treatment and non-discrimination. However, its introduction still creates a level of uncertainty and concern for interested parties who need to operate under the Act once it has been implemented (currently expected in October 2024).
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