Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This subtopic contains materials, commentary and analysis on the implications of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic for local government, together with links to related guidance and policy documents.

COVID-19 toolkit and tracker

Organisations, irrespective of their business type, sector or size, have found themselves in uncharted territory with the onset of the coronavirus. There are many common areas of concern.

Although legal restrictions introduced by the Coronavirus Act 2020 and by statutory instrument have largely expired, some restrictions remain and guidance is available to manage this stage of the pandemic. Coronavirus (COVID-19)—local government tracker—post July 2021—our COVID-19 tracker is designed to assist lawyers in local government to understand and stay ahead of changes in relevant legislation, powers and duties in response to the coronavirus pandemic. For details of the regulations and restrictions before 19 July 2021 so called ‘freedom day’, see: Coronavirus (COVID-19)—local government tracker up to 18 July 2021 [Archived].

We have also produced a Coronavirus (COVID-19)—legislation tracker [Archived] to track primary legislation such as the Coronavirus Act 2020 (CA 2020) together with a database of statutory instruments collating details

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Latest Local Government News

DHSC publishes updated guardianship forms for Mental Health Act implementation

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) released a set of guardianship forms (G1 to G10) for use under the Mental Health Act 1983. These forms are designed for the process of placing individuals under guardianship or managing patients subject to guardianship orders in England. The forms comply with the Mental Health (Hospital, Guardianship and Treatment) (England) Regulations 2008, SI 2008/1184, and cover various aspects of guardianship, including applications, medical recommendations, transfers and renewals.

Local Government weekly highlights—28 November 2024

This week's edition of Local Government weekly highlights includes coverage of the decisions in RHH Ltd v OG Ltd, which involved a judicial determination in a procurement dispute; EM v Havering Part LBC, in which Havering Council's housing decision was held to be unlawful; Howe v Brent LBC, where the Court of Appeal clarified qualification for the right to buy; A Local Authority v The child C where the Family Court made a best interest decision concerning the withdrawal of care proceedings; BC v Mother, where the court upheld care orders and restrictions; AC v SF, where the court balanced family contact and well-being in a best interest decision; Ibrahim v NMC, where the High Court overturned the panel's decision on misconduct and insight; ACC Ltd v Ealing LBC, where the Tribunal overturned Ealing Council's refusal of a dog day care licence. This weekly highlights also includes further updates on Public procurement, Social housing, Children’s social care, governance, Healthcare, Planning, and Licencing.

Crown bodies—presence of implied powers to adopt and revoke Welsh language scheme did not negate failure to consult on scheme changes where a ‘legitimate expectation’ relating to consultation existed (R (on the application of the Welsh Language Commissioner) v National Savings and Investments)

Public Law analysis: A decision by National Saving and Investments, a Crown body, to revoke its Welsh language scheme was held to be unlawful on a judicial review brought by the Welsh Language Commissioner. Although the power implied into the Welsh Language Act 1993 (WLA 1993) for a Crown body to adopt such a scheme also carried with it an implied power for that body to withdraw or revoke the scheme as a matter of statutory interpretation, a failure to consult the Commissioner contravened the Commissioner’s legitimate procedural expectation that she would be consulted in respect of any proposed change. Written by Martin Jones, Head of Regulatory at Hugh James.

MOJ launches Call for Evidence on costs protection in discrimination claims

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has initiated a Call for Evidence seeking stakeholder input on the current arrangements for bringing discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010 in civil courts in England and Wales. Opening on 27 November 2024 and closing on 19 February 2025, this consultation aims to gather data and evidence to determine whether costs protection should be extended to discrimination claims. The MOJ is exploring various models of costs protection and alternative dispute resolution options, with a focus on civil court cases rather than tribunal proceedings. While specific questions relate to disability claims, the government is considering impacts on all protected characteristics.

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