Legal
Standing up for the Kadens
The tragic story of Kaden Reddick and the court case that followed his death is a sad one. But as Reading Council's Katie Heath explains, it provides a strong example of how local authorities have a moral duty to ensure and uphold health and safety.
'Serious breakdown' in senior relationships, report reveals
A scathing review of executive cultures at Thanet DC has concluded that relationships between senior figures have been dysfunctional – at huge cost to local taxpayers.
Government to strengthen community role in planning
The Government has made clear it intends to strengthen the role of communities in new planning legislation.
Northumberland issues s114 over unlawful finances
Northumberland Council has issued a section 114 notice for unlawful expenditure – including allowances paid to its chief executive Daljit Lally.
Call to deploy legal advisers in council offices
Legal advisers should be deployed in council offices and other public locations to provide access to civil justice, a think-tank has argued.
Government dismisses union's payout view
New Government guidance attempting to limit special severance payments (SSPs) contradicts advice Whitehall received from senior council officials and may be ignored, insiders have warned.
Government provides support to troubled combined authority
The Government is providing support to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) after its chief executive quit amid a bullying probe into the mayor.
Judge calls for more children’s home placements
A judge has called for more support from the Government to fund secure placements for vulnerable children.
Thurrock branded 'irresponsible' over protest publicity
A council has been accused of being ‘irresponsible and unjust’ after it published the full names and addresses of environmental protesters.
Former Haringey leader takes legal action against Ombudsman
Former leader of Haringey LBC, Joseph Ejiofor, has issued legal proceedings to challenge the Local Government Ombudsman’s decision to name him in a report.
Court rules housing for homeless families must be appropriate
A judicial review at the Court of Session in Scotland has concluded councils have an ‘absolute duty’ to take into account families’ needs.
Council to take legal action against asylum centre
Hambleton DC is to take legal action against Government plans to create a centre for asylum seekers in the district.
Discharging patients into care homes was 'unlawful,' High Court rules
The High Court today ruled the Government’s policy of discharging patients from hospitals to care homes at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic was unlawful.
UK comes under pressure to adopt rights charter
Local leaders will continue to be ‘heavily constrained’ until the UK follows through on its promise to guarantee the rights of local government in law, a sector expert has warned.
EXCLUSIVE: Post-Grenfell legal claim warning
Council landlords could face large legal claims for discrimination unless they put in place personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for disabled tenants, local authorities have been warned.
Anderson no longer faces Operation Sheridan investigation
Former mayor of Liverpool City Council, Joe Anderson, is no longer under investigation by Lancashire Constabulary – but still faces a Merseyside police inquiry.
EXCLUSIVE: Council sacked director over 'vexatious and malicious' police report
Thanet DC sacked its director of corporate governance and monitoring officer after he submitted ‘vexatious and malicious’ allegations about a senior colleague to the police, The MJ can reveal.
All regions told to take asylum seekers
All regions of England, Scotland and Wales will be expected to take a share of asylum seekers under a new system of ‘full dispersal,’ the Government has told councils.
Kinship carers need access to legal aid provision
It’s time to provide publicly-funded legal aid for relatives in situations where kinship carers are assessed as being appropriate, argue Helen McGrath and Sarah Whitworth.
Fines issued over Sheffield chief's Whitehall leaving party
Police fines are believed to have been issued to attendees of Kate Josephs’ lockdown-busting Whitehall leaving party, but it is yet to emerge if the Sheffield City Council chief executive is among them.
