Local Authority round-up – 11 July 2025
11th July, 2025
Our Local Authority round up provides brief summaries of topical information on a weekly basis, to keep you aware of the changes and updates relevant to you.
Health and Social Care
Government launches consultation on NHS Dental Care Reform
The Government has announced major reform to the NHS dental contract aimed at prioritising patients with urgent and complex needs. A consultation launched on 8 July 2025 proposes introducing a specific treatment pathway for those with severe gum disease or extensive decay (five or more decayed teeth), along with enhanced funding for denture modifications. Additionally, NHS dentists would be required to deliver a set minimum of urgent and unscheduled care annually. These measures aim to support a broader goal of providing 700,000 more urgent dental appointments each year.
To strengthen the dental workforce and make NHS dentistry a more attractive career choice, the Government proposes requiring newly qualified dentists to spend a minimum period working within the NHS.
The consultation remains open until 19 August 2025, and responses will guide the final reforms aimed at restoring public confidence and accessibility in NHS dental services
For more information please click here.
Housing
Local connection requirement lifted for domestic abuse survivors
The Government has removed the “local connection” requirement when applying for social housing for care leavers under 25 and survivors of domestic abuse. Previously, most local authorities required applicants to demonstrate a connection to the area, such as prior residency or family ties, which often trapped vulnerable individuals in unsafe environments. From 10 July 2025, councils must assess these applicants on need rather than geographical ties, making access to social housing fairer and more responsive to individual circumstances.
This reform builds on similar exemptions already made for UK Armed Forces Veterans, reflecting a commitment to reducing bureaucratic barriers for those at risk. While the change does not guarantee housing, it ensures no one from these groups is excluded based solely on location criteria. It forms part of a wider housing strategy, including a £39 billion investment to deliver 300,000 new affordable homes over the next decade.
For more information please click here.
Regulatory
Government invests £53 million to build safe children’s homes
The Government has announced a £53 million investment to establish up to 200 new council-run children’s homes aimed at supporting the most vulnerable young people, particularly those with complex needs who are at risk of being deprived of their liberty.
These homes are intended to provide stable environments, reducing the reliance on unregulated placements, which have raised concerns about child safety and oversight.
The initiative responds to a significant shortfall in appropriate accommodation, with over 770 children reportedly living in unregistered settings as of September 2023. Local authorities have been forced to spend around £440 million annually on such placements, with some individual care packages costing over £1 million. The Government’s plan aims to reduce both the financial strain on councils and the risks to children’s welfare by ensuring properly regulated and purpose-built residential care is available.
It comes as part of ambitious reform, through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, to rebalance the children’s social care system away from crisis intervention and towards earlier help to keep children safe.
For more information please click here.
Upcoming Events
Employment Law Update
Please join us for our Employment Law Update, on Tuesday 15th July, between 10am – 11am.
With so much on the cusp of change in the world of employment law, this webinar will provide you with additional insights and information to help successfully navigate those changes.
This webinar is designed for HR managers and leaders who guide and assist their colleagues on dealing with these issues in the workplace.
To register your place, please click here.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
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