Public matters: April 2025

30 April 2025

Local government reorganisation: Guide for local authorities in England

This document aims to serve as a guide in relation to the key issues which might need to be considered, providing information and guidance for local authorities considering a move to a unitary form of local government in their area.

Making public inquiry recommendations work

It was announced earlier this month that the Infected Blood Inquiry will hold two more days of hearings on 7 and 8 of May to address concerns regarding the Government’s response to compensation.

AI in care: Navigating risk

Project and product risk in artificial intelligence (AI) implementation is strongly tied to an organisation’s data maturity and the ability to set robust, focused project parameters.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Clause 45 compulsory training for members of local planning authorities

Clause 45 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025 introduces a significant and potentially unpopular change by mandating training for local planning authorities.

Government publishes response to consultation on subsidy control regime

The Subsidy Control Act 2022 (the Act) has been in force since 4 January 2023. Seeking to canvass views on how to improve the Subsidy Control Regime, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) ran a consultation on the Act from 26 November 2024 to 21 January 2025.

Adult social care: Addressing LGBTQ+ inequalities and driving change

As we reflect on LGBTQ+ History Month and its 2025 theme of activism and social change, it’s crucial to recognise the everyday activism that professionals in the legal and care sectors can undertake.

Prevent sexual harassment in the workplace toolkit

With the new Worker Protection Act 2023 requiring employers to take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, businesses must now implement clear policies, training, and reporting procedures to stay compliant.

Our Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work Toolkit provides expert guidance, sector-specific training, and practical resources to help employers navigate these legal changes, foster a culture of safety and respect, and reduce the risk of costly tribunal claims.

Find out more

Modification of public health contracts and routes to challenge a modification that is not permitted

Contracts for healthcare services procured for the purpose of the health service in England by an Integrated Care Board, NHS Trust or Foundation Trust, local authority or combined authority responsible for healthcare services may only be modified in the circumstances set out in the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 (PSR).

Changes to s.106 procedures required to safeguard planning permission: Greenfields (IOW) Limited v Isle of Wight Council [2025] EWCA Civ 488

The Court of Appeal has decided that failing to publish a s.106 agreement (or unilateral undertaking or s.278 highway agreement) prior to granting planning permission can render a planning permission granted in reliance on that agreement unlawful.