Public matters: July 2024

25 July 2024

Craig Elder

King’s Speech 2024: Reaction from Browne Jacobson lawyers

Browne Jacobson lawyers have shared their reactions to the King's Speech 2024, which was delivered by King Charles III. The speech outlined the government's legislative agenda for the coming year, including plans for health and social care, education, and criminal justice reform. Our lawyers have analysed the speech and provided their insights on what it means for our clients and the legal industry as a whole. Read on to learn more about their reactions and predictions.

Brookhouse case: Court of Appeal decision in respect of time limits for procurement challenges

The Court of Appeal has recently made a decision in the case of Brookhouse v City of London Real Property Company Limited. The case involves a dispute over the interpretation of a lease agreement between the parties. The decision has significant implications for landlords and tenants alike, particularly in relation to the interpretation of lease agreements and the obligations of landlords to maintain and repair leased premises. In this article, we examine the facts of the case, the Court of Appeal's decision, and the potential impact of the decision on future disputes between landlords and tenants.

Bids from overseas supplier under the Procurement Act 2024

The UK government's recent announcement of the Procurement Act 2024 has sparked discussion and debate among businesses and suppliers. One area of particular interest is the impact of the Act on bids from overseas suppliers. Find out more about the key provisions of the Act and explore the implications for overseas suppliers bidding for UK contracts. We also offer practical advice for suppliers looking to navigate the new procurement landscape.

Alternative dispute resolution: The future of ADR in the UK legal system

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) has become increasingly popular in the UK legal system as a way to resolve disputes outside of court. With the aim of reducing costs, saving time, and preserving relationships, ADR methods such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation have become a viable alternative to traditional litigation. This article explores the future of ADR in the UK legal system, its benefits, and how it can be used to resolve disputes effectively.

High Court rules that remote licensing hearings are lawful

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to the legal system, including the way court hearings are conducted. With social distancing measures in place, remote hearings have become the norm. In a recent case, the High Court has ruled that remote licensing hearings are lawful, providing clarity and guidance for licensing authorities and applicants alike. Learn about the details of the case and its implications for the future of remote hearings in the UK.

Update on local authority owned companies: Part 1 subsidy control

In this article, we discussed the latest developments and updates on the regulations surrounding subsidy control in the UK, particularly in relation to local authority-owned companies. As the UK government continues to navigate the complexities of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for local authorities and their companies to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and guidance. Read our article as we explore the key issues and considerations surrounding subsidy control and local authority-owned companies.

Update on local authority owned companies Part 2 Teckal exemption

Local authority-owned companies play a vital role in public service delivery, providing councils with greater flexibility and efficiency. Central to their operation is the Teckal exemption, a legal provision that allows these companies to receive contracts without a competitive tendering process, under certain conditions. This article explores the nuances of the Teckal exemption, its legal framework, and its implications for local authorities seeking to maximise their service delivery capabilities.

Does the subsidy control regime already need changing for the government to kickstart economic growth?

With the UK government's plans to kickstart economic growth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are questions about whether the current subsidy control regime is fit for purpose. Our expert lawyers examine the current subsidy control rules and explore whether they need to be changed to support the government's economic recovery plans. They also discuss the potential impact of any changes on businesses and the legal landscape. Read on to learn more about the subsidy control regime and its potential future.

Challenges under the Provider Selection Regime: How should commissioners handle representations?

The Provider Selection Regime (PSR) was introduced in 2013 to help commissioners manage the procurement of health services. However, the PSR has been subject to legal challenges, particularly around the handling of representations from providers. In this article, we examine the challenges faced by commissioners under the PSR and provide guidance on how to handle representations from providers.

When Green is Not Really Green: the legal implications

The article discusses the legal implications of greenwashing and provides guidance for businesses on how to ensure that their environmental claims are accurate and not misleading. It also highlights recent cases where companies have been penalised for making false or misleading environmental claims.

Biodiversity Net Gain: what have we learnt in the first few months?

This article explores the key learnings from the first few months of BNG implementation and how it can be integrated into development projects and provides insights on the legal framework surrounding BNG and its potential impact on the planning process.

Biodiversity Net Gain: Lessons learnt half a year in...

This event will explore the legal framework surrounding BNG and its impact on the planning process. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how BNG can be integrated into development projects and its potential benefits for promoting sustainable development.