Public Matters - May 2023

31 May 2023

Angela Williams

Subsidy Control - lessons to be learnt from Bulb

The Bulb Judgement is one of only two subsidy control cases which have been brought before the UK Courts since the UK left the European Union. While the case related to alleged non-compliance with the subsidy control principles in the Trade and Co-operation Agreement implemented in domestic law, it highlights important principles that are likely to carry over to the Competition and Appeals Tribunal’s application of the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

Utilising prime retail sites to improve the health of our nation

The efforts of our NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic were rightly celebrated and showed the service at its finest with a vaccine roll-out that was genuinely world leading. However, the toll on resources has lasted well beyond the lockdown period and backlogs for routine procedures continue to remain a significant problem. Community Diagnostic Centres, first identified to deal with the backlog in cancer screening, are seen by the Government as vital in sorting this issue.

“Smarter Regulation” – proposed employment changes ahead

The Department for Business and Trade has published its report Smarter Regulation to Grow the Economy, setting out its proposed reforms in three areas: working time, TUPE and post-termination restrictions.

DfE statistics on suspensions and exclusions published

The Department for Education has published the latest statistics on suspensions and permanent exclusions in state-funded schools from the spring term 2021/22. Unsurprisingly, both suspensions and permanent exclusions have increased when compared to the same term in the previous two years.

New fraud offence to be introduced in the new Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill

The UK Home Office has confirmed that a new offence for failing to prevent fraud will be introduced in the forthcoming Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill. This Bill will make provision on economic crime and corporate transparency, including the registration of overseas entities.

Long-awaited Renters Reform Bill introduced into Parliament

After much delay and many false alarms, this Bill to overhaul the private rented sector in England was finally published this week. The change which has grabbed all the headlines is the abolition of the ‘no-fault’ ground for possession, which enables a landlord to end an assured shorthold tenancy on two months’ notice for any reason.

The impact of climate change on solicitors

In our latest ESG in 3D podcast, we explore the guidance launched by The Law Society on the impact of climate change on solicitors. We discuss our own climate impact and how we measure success, greenwashing, and our duty of care to advise on climate change risks.

Developing Digbeth

Digbeth is set to become Birmingham’s next “destination of choice” for people, developers, nightlife and the creative sector. The BBC, MasterChef and the maker of Peaky Blinders are moving to the quarter, along with a series of major building projects and the Metro. But how does this traditionally working-class area keep its soul while changing, and how can these investment help the existing community as well as those coming in?

Addressing modern slavery in practice

Sadly, severe human exploitation is a very real and longstanding issue in many parts of modern society. All organisations must be vigilant to the risks in order to spot warning signs early and manage cases compassionately and within the limitations of the law. In this short video we highlight some of the things to look out for and signpost to helpful resources. If you’d like to discuss your obligations under the Modern Slavery Act, please get in touch.

Watch the video