Local Authority round-up 22 August 2025
22nd August, 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.
Regulatory
Government introduces ‘restriction zones’ to protect victims
The Government has introduced ‘restriction zones’ to enhance the protection of victims of serious sexual and violent offenders. Unlike traditional ‘exclusion zones, which prevent offenders from entering specific locations such as a victim’s home, restriction zones confine offenders to designated areas, allowing victims the freedom to move without fear of encountering their perpetrator.
The implementation of restriction zones involves a collaborative approach between probation officers and victims. Probation officers will conduct detailed risk assessments and work closely with victims to establish the boundaries of the restriction zones, ensuring that the zones prevent contact while providing survivors the maximum freedom to rebuild their lives. Offenders within these zones will be monitored using electronic tagging, and any breaches of the designated boundaries could result in prison recall.
For more information please click here.
Health & Social Care
Government invests £18 million to enhance child safeguarding
The Government has accelerated reforms to enhance child protection, focusing on early intervention and improved data sharing. An additional £18 million has been allocated to local councils in England to implement these reforms, building upon a previous £523 million investment. The plan introduces initiatives such as Family Group Decision Making, which involves extended family members in child welfare decisions, and the deployment of more family help workers to support families facing challenges like substance misuse or mental health issues.
A key component of the reforms is the pilot program between Wigan Council and NHS England, testing the use of the NHS number as a unique identifier across health, education, and police services. This approach aims to create a more integrated system for identifying and addressing safeguarding concerns early, ensuring a holistic view of a child’s welfare. The Government asserts that these measures are essential to prevent vulnerable children from falling through the cracks due to inadequate information sharing and delayed interventions.
For more information please click here.
Community Diagnostic Centres help deliver 1.6 million more scans
The Government has expanded access to diagnostic tests by increasing the number of Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) operating with extended hours. As of August 2025, 100 CDCs across England are now open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
The expansion has led to a substantial increase in diagnostic activity. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the NHS delivered over 1.6 million more tests and scans compared to the same period the previous year. This improvement reflects the Government’s commitment to reducing waiting times and enhancing patient outcomes through timely diagnostics.
The Government has committed to building up to five more CDCs in 2025–26, aiming to further improve access and reduce pressure on hospitals.
For more information please click here.
Upcoming Events
Seminar: Beyond Graduation: Navigating the Global Talent Visa
Please join us for our seminar, Beyond Graduation: Navigating the Global Talent Visa, on Thursday 28th August, in partnership with The PathFinder Organisation and No5 Barristers’ Chambers.
The event is at No5 Barristers’ Chambers, Birmingham and begins at 4:00pm.
During this event, we will provide you with in-depth insight into the Global Talent Visa so that you are equipped with the knowledge needed to identify and obtain the relevant achievements and supporting evidence to make a successful application.
This event is aimed at international students and graduates to assist them to start planning their Global Talent Visa application early.
To register your place, please click here.
Webinar: Employment Rights Bill: The Future of Trade Union Rights
On 1st October at 10:00am, Edward Nuttman and Hollie Ball will provide a comprehensive overview of how the Employment Rights Bill is reshaping trade union relations in the UK workplace. It will provide practical insights into the evolving legal framework and its implications for HR professionals and business leaders.
Edward and Hollie will explore key changes in areas such as:
- The real purpose of the new Trade Union laws;
- The new duty to inform employees about their right to Trade Union membership;
- The new right for Trade Unions to access premises;
- The new right for Trade Union officials to facilities; and
- Trade Union recognition: simplification.
To register your place, please click here.
For further information please contact Tim Care in our Public Sector Team
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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