Local government is the key stakeholder in local communities. It delivers many vital services including education, social services, housing and planning. In addition local government has been called upon to address the priority of community leadership and the priority of constantly improving the accessibility of its services. Councils are expected to work in partnership with other stakeholders.

We understand the legal framework of powers, functions and responsibilities within which local government must work to achieve these priorities. We have frequently advised local authorities on propriety and decision taking; separation of regulatory functions (e.g. planning) from discretionary and other functions (e.g. landowning); the fiduciary duties of local authorities; best value; governance and executive arrangements and on councils' standing orders and local government audit.

Whilst local authorities are expected to act in a businesslike manner and to engage in commercial transactions, we understand that they are democratic - not commercial - organisations and that in everything they do they are subject to statutory and regulatory law.

Local Government Training Partnership

We have been the administrators of the Local Government Training Partnership (LGTP) for over 10 years, providing a range of seminars with quality speakers on the legal issues most relevant to local government lawyers.

With 45 member authorities within the Partnership stretching as far as Cornwall; South Wales in the West, the South Midlands and the South Coast, the Partnership offers tremendous value as a networking opportunity for authorities to share knowledge and information.

Click the LGTP logo on this page to access full details of our current Programme.