Local Authority round-up 15 May 2026
15th May, 2026
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.
Planning & housing
National Housing Bank Makes Significant Cornerstone Equity Investment in Starlight UK’s Build-to-Rent Fund II
The National Housing Bank, a Homes England company, has announced it has joined cornerstone investor Starlight UK’s Build-to-Rent Fund II, supporting the acceleration of new rental homes across England. The investment highlights the shared commitment to expanding the supply of rental houses to the areas which need it the most.
Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, play a key role in addressing England’s housing challenges, using its land, funding and expertise to unlock opportunities for development and support local leaders in bringing forward sustainable, well-designed communities.
The Build-to-Rent Fund II will develop professionally managed rental housing in structurally unsupplied areas, including major regional cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, as well as key London Commuter Belt locations. The homes will be located close to employment, education and transport, supporting a wider economic growth and regeneration in local communities.
For more information, please click here.
Education
North East AI drive to boost local skills and business growth opportunities
Primary school teachers and children are set to gain AI and digital skills as North East AI Growth Zone Taskforce meets to drive local opportunity. This new opportunity Is the result of an investment unlocked by the region’s AI Growth Zone, helping residents secure jobs and local businesses grow.
The Noth East mayor will back the effort with a new £750,000 investment in the government’s TechFirst programme, that will specifically ensure 30,000 primary school children benefit from early AI and digital skills. This will include ‘discovery days’ and local businesses engaging with schools to outline career paths and explain the wider benefits of AI.
This follows a £1.5 million investment by the government in the North East through the programme, as part of a wider ambition to help 1 million young people across the UK to benefit from the growth of AI, rather than being left behind.
For more information, please click here.
Regulatory
Judicial Review application issued against SEND reform consultation
An eight-year old child is seeking a judicial review of the Government’s consultation on proposed reforms to the special educational needs system, arguing that the consultation is unlawful as it is unfair.
The claimant argues that the consultation failed to provide consultees with “sufficient information” about the proposals, and ask key questions of consultees.
In February, the Secretary of State for Education published a consultation on her proposed reforms to the special education needs system in England, in conjunction with a white paper ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’. The consultation contains proposal for reform of the system of provision for children and young people with SEND.
The claimant’s solicitors have now applied to the high court for a judicial review of the consultation, arguing that:
- The consultation fails to make it clear to consultees that the proposal would reduce existing rights and entitlements;
- Consultees are not invited to provide their views on some of the most fundamental changes;
- It is unclear which proposals remain under consideration and to what extent decisions have already effectively been made;
- There are no consultation questions on key aspects of the proposals, particularly those which would reduce existing rights and protections; and
- There is no evidence at all that the Government has properly considered vulnerable children and young people educated outside of school settings.
For more information, 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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