Public matters: November 2024

29 November 2024

Know your dispute resolution clauses: Key take-aways from Kajima v Children’s Ark and Lancashire Schools v Lendlease

This article examines two significant legal cases: Kajima Construction Europe (UK) Ltd v Children’s Ark Partnerships Ltd and Lancashire Schools SPC Phase 2 Ltd v Lendlease Construction (Europe) Ltd. We highlight the key lessons about the enforceability of dispute resolution clauses in construction contracts and emphasise the importance of clear, well-defined dispute resolution procedures and the potential consequences of failing to comply with them.

Planning reform for public sector bodies

Please come and join Richard Barlow and Sophie Hoffman who discuss the new proposed changes to housing targets, the “Grey Belt” and green energy in the NPPF.

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How the Data (Use and Access) Bill will impact the public sector

The introduction of the Data (Use and Access) Bill (DUA Bill) marks a significant development in the UK’s data legislation, aiming to streamline public sector data processes and improve operational efficiency. This article explores the potential impacts of the Bill on public services, including changes to data protection, AI decision-making, and the use of personal data for research.

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Organisational approaches to ESG matters

In an innovative move to address the pressing ESG challenges facing organisations today, we've embarked on a pioneering research project in partnership with the University of Nottingham. This collaboration aims to delve into the intricacies of how organisations navigate their ESG impacts, leveraging the expertise of legal and academic specialists to forge pathways towards sustainable and responsible business practices.

What’s in a name: ESG principles and UK local authorities

As the corporate world increasingly embraces ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles, this article explores whether local authorities in the UK are keeping pace with their private sector counterparts in fostering sustainable, socially responsible, and ethical practices. We look at the crucial role local governments play in implementing ESG initiatives at the community level, and how they have long been at the forefront of sustainability efforts.

The housing benefit subsidy deficit: Strategies for funding temporary accommodation

Local housing authorities in England and Wales are facing a growing financial challenge in providing temporary accommodation due to increasing homelessness and rising costs. As housing benefit subsidies remain limited, innovative strategies are being explored to reduce the deficit and sustain temporary housing services.

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Manchester Ship Canal Co Ltd v United Utilities Water Ltd: Floodgates to mass litigation?

The recent ruling marks a significant shift in the accountability of water companies for environmental pollution, allowing private individuals to bring claims for unauthorised discharges. This decision, alongside pending regulatory changes, could pave the way for a surge in mass litigation as water companies face greater scrutiny over their infrastructure and pollution management practices.

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A new code of conduct, how this might be useful for local authority companies

In an era marked by the increasing complexity of corporate governance and the expanding role of directors, the Institute of Directors (IoD) has taken a significant step forward by issuing a new voluntary Code of Conduct for Directors of all companies.