COVID-19 for local authorities, arms length bodies and government - 30th April 2020

An update on current issues including avoiding legal challenge to procurement decisions, public decision making, state aid and commercial and supply chain.

01 May 2020

This webinar took place on 30 April and is now available on-demand.

In this Covid-19 webinar a number of key members of the team provide an update on current issues arising in relation to the pandemic and its effect on local authorities, arms length bodies and government.

Avoiding legal challenge to procurement decisions taken during the COVID-19 crisis by Jason Coppell QC, 11KWB
The Government and the EU Commission have been keen to emphasise the flexibility of the procurement regulations in enabling quick and effective procurement during the crisis. But these assurances cannot be relied upon by contracting authorities in defence of legal claims. What should authorities do to help ensure that their procurement decisions can be defended, now and in the future?

Public decision making by Laura Hughes
Many public bodies are under intense pressure during the current crisis, needing to make crucial decisions at speed. To what extent can the normal public law requirements in respect of decision making be relaxed, and what are the risks of such an approach.

State aid and supporting businesses by Alex Kynoch
The government has implemented several support packages to protect businesses in the current crises, from direct financial support to encouraging softer support to contractors through procurement policy notes. Alex highlights the key state aid issues for local authorities engaging with their contractors and local businesses.

Commercial and supply chain by Anthony Nagle
Anthony talks about non-performance in contracts caused by force majeure events or frustration in connection with Coronavirus and he will also look at other practical approaches of dealing with the impact of this pandemic in supply chain contracts.

Laura Hughes

Partner

Laura Hughes heads up the public law team, as well as being the head of the insurance and public risk department, and the executive lead for Wales. Laura is an experienced public law expert who advises her clients on their most important and high-profile matters. She acts across the public sector advising clients in government, local government, education, health, audit, sports and natural resources.

laura.hughes@brownejacobson.com

+44 (0)115 976 6582

Alex Kynoch

Partner

Alex leads our subsidy control team and is recognised as a leading expert in this complex field. He also specialises in procurement and public sector clean energy and regeneration projects. Clients appreciate his ability to translate complex legal issues into pragmatic and clear advice.

alex.kynoch@brownejacobson.com

+44 (0)115 976 6511

Anthony Nagle

Partner

Anthony is head of the firm’s digital and sourcing team in the UK and Ireland and is recognised as a leading expert on digital services and sourcing contracts.

Anthony.Nagle@brownejacobson.com

+44 (0)20 7871 8501