Public matters: September 2026
This month's edition of Public matters brings you recent developments in public law, including key court judgments and policy updates.
We cover:
- Latest judgment under the Procurement Act 2023: Urgency and accuracy of notices under scrutiny.
- AI in the courtroom: What it means for schools and local authorities.
- High Court strikes out claim for £2.8m in education and public law dispute.
- Learnings for local government from the Thirlwall Inquiry.
- Lessons for social landlords from the Aalim Ahmed inquest.
- Family Group Decision-Making (FGDM) before care proceedings: What councils should evidence.
- Government Legal Department (GLD) online training.
Plus the key employment law updates and news for the public sector.
Public law insights
Latest judgment under the Procurement Act 2023
In Apasen Limited v London Borough of Tower Hamlets [2026] EWHC 2239, the Technology and Construction Court has confirmed that a contracting authority cannot rely on a contract award notice to defeat a set aside claim simply by publishing one - the notice must also be accurate.
AI in the courtroom: What it means for schools and local authorities
A BBC report has emphasised that AI-generated complaints are placing a growing and disproportionate burden on schools and local authorities. But what happens when that same dynamic moves from a complaints inbox into litigation?
High Court strikes out claim for £2.8m in education and public law dispute
The High Court handed down judgment on in KDY v Langham & Others [2026] EWHC 2068 (KB), striking out the entire Particulars of Claim and dismissing claims for damages exceeding £2.8m against all 11 defendants.
Learnings for local government from the Thirlwall Inquiry
The Thirlwall Inquiry carries clear lessons for organisations beyond the NHS. As statutory safeguarding partners, local authorities should review how the inquiry's findings apply to their own partnership arrangements, and take practical steps to drive improvement across the system.
Lessons for social landlords from the Aalim Ahmed inquest
The Aalim Ahmed inquest offers a stark lesson for social landlords not only in tenant safety but also in responding to any legal proceedings which might arise as a result.
FGDM before care proceedings: What councils should evidence
Local authorities in England must (subject to a best-interests exception) offer a Family Group Decision-Making (FGDM) meeting before it makes an application for a Care or Supervision Order under Section 31ZA of the Children Act 1989.
Government Legal Department (GLD) online training
From October 2026 to February 2027
This six-month training programme has been designed exclusively for central GLD teams. Whether you are looking to sharpen your procurement knowledge, build your project management capability, or develop stronger interpersonal skills, this four-module programme offers a structured, high-quality pathway to professional development specifically designed for the demands of central government legal practice.
News and legal commentary
Welsh Local Government Association conference
Welsh political leaders have called for the UK Government to ensure devolved nations are included in its plans for deeper regional devolution, but also for greater devolution to Wales nationally.
Local government reorganisation plans paused
The UK Government has confirmed it will pause many of its decisions on local government reorganisation. This follows 'updated and privileged' legal advice being provided to government.
Public sector employment law updates
Stay up-to-date on the Employment Rights Act 2025
Our latest insights and guidance in one place, helping you stay informed and prepared for the employment law reforms ahead.
The Milburn Review: A call to action for employers
Youth unemployment is back at the top of the political agenda. The UK Government's Plan for Change calls on employers to up their games to support the one in eight people aged 16 to 24 in the UK who are not in education, employment or training.
You might be interested in...
Public matters: September 2026
FGDM before care proceedings: Why 'offer made' won’t be enough (and what councils should evidence)
Learnings for local government from the Thirlwall Inquiry
The Milburn Review: A call to action for employers
Neighbourhood health trailblazers launch: Legal comments
Latest judgment under the Procurement Act 2023: Urgency and accuracy of notices under scrutiny
Welsh Local Government Association conference: Comments from devolution expert
Local government reorganisation plans to be paused: Legal comment
AI in the courtroom: What it means for schools and local authorities
Delivering neighbourhood working conference, February 2027
Public matters: August 2026
Local government reorganisation and construction contracts
From Manchester to Westminster: How Andy Burnham's social care revolution could play out
Browne Jacobson’s Head of Government Peter Ware appointed to National Citizens Advice Trustee Board
Recent developments and social public works clauses for Welsh construction contracts over £2m
Changes to procurement rules around government contracts: Legal comment
First court decision regarding new law of time limitation for abuse claims: Legal comment
Andy Burnham launches ‘new era of devolution’: Legal comment
Tackling modern slavery: What the UK's new proposals mean for businesses and public bodies
Crime and Policing Act 2026: Scope of new limitation regime confined to sexual abuse claims
Public matters: July 2026
Is your local authority legally prepared for wildfires?
Andy Burnham’s social care reform speech: Legal and HR comments
Biodiversity Net Gain: 2026 changes for LPAs
Technical education pathways announcement: Legal comment
Can Andy Burnham end rough sleeping and deliver the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period?
Foster reform 2026: Simpler rulebook and a leadership moment for 'ordinary life'
EGZ v Hertfordshire County Council and others: The challenges of tackling CSE on the frontline and through litigation
Martyn’s Law statutory guidance: Key considerations for organisations and their insurers
Andy Burnham becomes new UK Prime Minister: Browne Jacobson reaction
Who bears the risk of the UK's EV charging shortfall?
Neighbourhood health centres: From ambition to delivery
When is a subsidy decision actually made?
Child sexual abuse claims: The end of the limitation period and what it means for local authorities and insurers
Public matters: June 2026
Andy Burnham sets out policy plans in first major speech in PM leadership bid: Legal comments
What NHS ConfedExpo taught us about neighbourhood health
AI in local decision-making: Old duties, new risks
Empty homes and CPO: What local authorities need to know
