Government and Public Sector News, January 2025

Legal insights, news and events from DWF's Government and Public Sector team delivered monthly to your inbox.

DWF monthly insight:

New National Planning Policy Framework: the new National Planning Policy Framework ("NPPF") has now landed. Following the launch of the "Plan for change", the new NPPF aims to support the government's ambitions to deliver 1.5 million new homes over this parliamentary term, grow the economy and make Britain a clean energy superpower. In this article, we examine our key takeaways from the new NPPF. View >

The F Word and Workplace culture: Case highlights the importance of culture in mitigating the risk of Employment Tribunal claims: in this article, we consider the Employment Tribunal case of Ogden v Booker in which it was found that the “F word” was “particularly common in the North”. View >

The North East's space sector - A new frontier for economic growth: in this article, we examine how public funding is being used to ensure the North East of England is at the forefront of space sector growth - a sector that the UK government projects to be worth £1.45 trillion within a decade. View >

Timing is everything - My Contracts Ltd v 74 Hamilton Terrace Freehold Ltd [2024] EWHC 2896 (TCC): in this article, we provide an overview of the decision of the Technology and Construction Court which considered how a deadline imposed by a bespoke amendment was to be calculated. View >

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Amendment Bill): Improving protections for violence and harassment in the workplace: the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. The purpose of the Act was to provide a single piece of legislation that would place the responsibility for ensuring workers are safe, squarely in the hands of the employers. This article discusses the impact the Bill could have, how it complements the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 and what employers can do. View >

Pension Insights: December 2024: this article provides our take on the latest highlights in the world of pensions law and policy. View >

European Commission imposes €462.6 million fine for abuse of a dominant position by means of legal process and implementation of disparagement campaign: in this article, we discuss the European Commission’s decision to fine a pharmaceutical company for abusing dominance by unilaterally misusing patent procedures and running an apparent disparagement campaign. View >

Legislation

Local Government (England): The Local Government Finance Act 1988 (Calculation of Small Business Non-Domestic Rating Multiplier) (England) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1321). View >
Public Finance (UK): The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) (Amendment) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/1323). View >
ESG (UK): The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/1366). View >
Housing (Scotland): Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Act 2024. View >
Economy (Scotland): Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024. View >

Other News:

Department for Business and Trade: announces its launch of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, as the UK Government looks to boost growth and living standards. View >
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: sets out the UK Government’s plan to deliver a new era of clean electricity that can bring down bills for households and businesses for good. View >
Department for Transport: announces the first train services across England which will return to public control as part of the UK Government’s plan to transform railways into a more reliable, affordable and accessible system. View >
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: announces a new chapter for the UK's clean industry following the signing of contracts in respect of the carbon capture projects in Teesside. View >
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: announces an overhaul of the planning system to accelerate housebuilding and deliver 1.5 million homes over this Parliament. View >
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: announces largest ever cash boost to turn the tide on homelessness. Councils across England will receive almost £1 billion of new funding to tackle, reduce and prevent homelessness. View >

Sector Events:

Defending and bringing proceedings under the Procurement Act 2023 – 21 January 2025

This webinar will cover the key litigation changes arising from the introduction of the 2023 Act. It will provide practical advice on what are likely to be the main areas of challenge and how to bring proceedings and defend them. It will set out the remedies available to economic operators following a breach of the 2023 Act and the time limits for bringing proceedings.

Registration link >

Review of the Subsidy Control Act two years in – 23 January 2025

In this webinar, Jonathan Branton and Alexander Rose will explore what has worked well, how public authorities have adapted to best navigate the new regime, and what is ripe for reconsideration.

Registration link >

Procurement Act 2023 – what does it mean for Scotland? – 29 January 2025

The Procurement Act 2023 will come into force in February 2025 and will apply to contracting authorities in England and Wales, as well as cross-border contracting authorities in Scotland. In this webinar, Douglas Jefferies, Orla Kerr and Claira Rodden will provide an overview of the new Procurement Act 2023, and look at what it will mean for contracting authorities in Scotland and for suppliers to the Scottish public sector.

Registration link >

In case you missed it:

Driving housing delivery: Leveraging compulsory purchase powers

Webinar recording >

In this webinar, jointly hosted by DWF and Ardent, we focused on addressing the UK’s significant housing shortage by encouraging local authorities to utilise compulsory purchase powers more effectively.

Public Procurement: Conflicts of Interest

Webinar recording >

In this webinar, DWF procurement experts Douglas Jefferies, Simon Harris and Orla Kerr examined the topical area of conflicts of interest in procurements and in particular looked at the approach in the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 compared to the Procurement Act 2023, which will come into effect in February 2025.

The session explored how to manage conflicts of interest to ensure effective competition, providing practical guidance and lessons learned.

Meet the team – Jack Wadsworth

Jack is a Commercial Solicitor based in the DWF Manchester Office. He is a member of DWF's Procurement Centre of Excellence, which has been established to add value and service the requirements of our Public Sector clients. Jack has recent experience advising local councils and government bodies on a number of high-value technology and transport services procurements.

Jack also undertakes a range of commercial contracts, technology, media and telecommunications work as well as supporting individuals across DWF's corporate practice group. Jack has experience advising large national supermarkets and retail clients. In addition, Jack supports a range of clients on both business as usual matters and corporate acquisitions across the intellectual property and data fields.

Jack Wadsworth

Solicitor, Commercial

Email me | +44(0)7743 191 178

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