Public matters - November 2023

COP28 - how to limit and prepare for future climate change

Legal experts at Browne Jacobson, share their thoughts on what we can expect from COP28, covering topics of renewables and building development, nature and government and green sustainable finance and how the decisions made over the next two weeks could impact both public and private sectors.

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The commercial realities of disputes and litigation

When faced with a commercial dispute, there are a number of different mechanisms available to assist with its resolution. For instance, parties can either attempt to resolve their dispute via a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) or by issuing a court claim and proceeding through the litigation process. Both options offer various benefits and there are key aspects to be aware of for each.

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How to mitigate risk in disputes arising from AI use in technology projects

Businesses are increasingly adopting AI tools to carry out functions traditionally performed by humans and/or non-AI tech. IT suppliers are no different and are offering AI solutions that increase productivity and add new proficiencies.

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Infrastructure and social value in public contracts – making it concrete

Social value, in its broadest sense, is the reason that government bodies procure infrastructure. Whether supporting transport, healthcare or education, social value can be viewed as a thread weaving through most programs of public infrastructure.

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Browne Jacobson collaborates with LGiU and LLG on a report investigating the changing role of the Monitoring Officer

UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has again partnered with the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) on their latest report The Changing Role of the Monitoring Officer, which demonstrates the importance of the role for good governance and a position that should be supported and funded properly, as well as to illuminating the challenges that Monitoring Officer (MO) experience in doing this essential job.

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The Supreme Court provides definitive guidance on the main housing duty, its performance and enforcement

On 28 November 2023, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in R (on the application of Imam) v London Borough of Croydon [2023] UKSC 45.

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Countdown to Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a concept that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was in beforehand.

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Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme update October 2023: More funding announced

On 10 October 2023, the government announced that £230 million in funding will be made available via the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to support low-carbon energy upgrades to public sector buildings. The PSDS enables public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures with the aim of reducing emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037.

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