Local Authority round-up 05/02/21

Brexit

UK applies to join Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership

The government has announced that the UK is formally applying to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), one of the world’s largest free-trade areas. The UK will publish its negotiation objectives, scoping analysis, and consultation response in advance of negotiations which are expected to start this Spring. Being a member of the CPTPP would it is argued have many benefits including eliminating tariffs more quickly on UK exports including whisky and cars and easier business travel between CPTPP countries. UK International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said “Joining CPTPP will create enormous opportunities for UK businesses that simply weren’t there as part of the EU and deepen our ties with some of the fastest-growing markets in the world. It will mean lower tariffs for car manufacturers and whisky producers, and better access for our brilliant services providers, delivering quality jobs and greater prosperity for people here at home.”

For more information please click here.

New UK driving licences and number plates announced

Following the UK’s departure from the EU, the government has announced that it will be launching new look driving licences and number plate designs from 1 January 2021 on which the EU flag has been removed. Existing licences and number plates will still be valid but any new issues will be in the new design. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said “Changing the designs of our driving licences and number plates is a historic moment for British motorists, and a reassertion of our independence from the EU one year on from our departure. Looking to the future, whether it’s for work or for holidays abroad, these changes mean that those who want to drive in the EU can continue to do so with ease.”

For more information please click here.

Government calls for extension to resolve trade issues

UK and EU leaders are to hold talks to try to resolve the trade issues between Great Britain and Northern Ireland after hauliers experienced problems transporting goods from Great Britain and checks on products from Great Britain were suspended after port staff were threatened. Since the UK left the EU, there have been issues with the transportation of goods into Northern Ireland due to the checks which are now in place and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now called for “urgent action” from the EU. The government has also written to the European Commission calling for temporary lighter enforcement of the rules to be extended until early 2023. Mr Johnson tweeted “Our commitment to the people of Northern Ireland and our Union is unshakeable. Recent EU moves have undermined the Protocol & understandably provoked concern. Let me underline that, now & in the future, Northern Ireland’s place in the UK will be protected and strengthened.”

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Video: Data protection post Brexit – be prepared

The first in our series of post-Brexit webinars looked at the impact the UK’s withdrawal has had and may have on data protection rules. Damien Charlton is joined by data protections experts Phil Tompkins and Christopher Bowen.

Please click here to view.

Commercial

Historic devolution deal for West Yorkshire signed

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government Luke Hall has signed an Order which creates a new mayor and Mayoral Combined Authority for West Yorkshire. The new Mayor of West Yorkshire will be responsible for an annual £38 million budget, have powers over transport, education and housing and regeneration and become the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner. The first mayoral election is scheduled for 6 May 2021. Northern Powerhouse Minister Grant Shapps MP said “We are investing billions to level up the North and build a strong and dynamic Northern Powerhouse. That must be backed by providing local leaders with the powers and means to make decisions.”

For more information please click here.

Government launches £30 million fire alarm fund

Residents living in high-rise buildings with unsafe cladding can now get financial support from the Government to help them buy fire alarms under the Waking Watch Relief Fund. The funding, which was announced by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, will provide £30 million to protect leaseholders from the high costs of ‘waking watches’, where a building is continually patrolled in case of a fire, by providing funds for fire alarms. The fund will be distributed through councils, regional authorities and directly through the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, depending on the location of the building with £22 million of the funding being targeted at the cities with the most high-rise buildings with unsafe cladding, including Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds. Mr Jenrick said “This fund will relieve the financial pressure on residents in these buildings and ensure they will be kept safe. I encourage those who are eligible not to delay and start their applications swiftly so we can distribute the funds as quickly as possible.”

For more information please click here.

Regulatory

Updated guidance for anti-social behaviour

The government has published updated guidance under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 which provides police and councils with strengthened guidance in tackling anti-social behaviour to make sure there is a greater focus on victims. The guidance clarifies the Anti-Social Behaviour Case Review and sets out that victims should always be invited to case review meetings and that local areas can have independent chairs at review meetings. Safeguarding Minister, Victoria Atkins said “We know that powers are already being used to good effect and this guidance provides even greater clarity for local agencies. We are determined to create safe and peaceful communities where people can thrive and perpetrators of anti-social behaviour are robustly dealt with.”

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Government carries out rapid review into Croydon Council

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced that the government is acting to address the serious failures of Croydon Council by setting up an Improvement and Assurance Panel. The panel, who is comprised of local government and finance experts, has been appointed to help the council improve after a rapid non-statutory review commissioned in October found the council was failing to manage budgets, commercial ventures and had low levels of reserves. The Panel will look at ways the council can improve and make regular reports to the Secretary of State. If the council is unable to show significant progress a formal statutory intervention will be considered. Mr Jenrick said “This must end now, and I have appointed an expert panel to help the council urgently address the issues they face and deliver a comprehensive recovery plan. I will be monitoring progress closely and will not hesitate to take further action if necessary.”

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Planning and housing

New development and planning framework announced

Following recommendations from the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission’s report, the government has announced a new development and planning framework to make sure that new developments are beautiful and well-designed. The proposals include changes to the National Planning Policy Framework to place greater emphasis on beauty and place-making through a strategic policy. It will also put an emphasis on approving good design as well as refusing poor quality schemes. Councils will be encouraged to publish their own unique design codes. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said “We should aspire to pass on our heritage to our successors, not depleted but enhanced. In order to do that, we need to bring about a profound and lasting change in the buildings that we build, which is one of the reasons we are placing a greater emphasis on locally popular design, quality and access to nature, through our national planning policies and introducing the National Model Design Codes. These will enable local people to set the rules for what developments in their area should look like, ensuring that they reflect and enhance their surroundings and preserve our local character and identity.”

For more information please click here.

New Model Tenancy Agreement announced

Housing Minister Christopher Pincher has announced a new Model Tenancy Agreement which aims to make it easier for tenants with pets to find rented accommodation. The changes mean that landlords will no longer be able to issue a blanket ban on pets as consent for pets will be the default position and landlords will have to object in writing within 28 days of a written pet request from a tenant and provide a good reason such as in smaller properties or flats where owning a pet could be impractical. Mr Pincher said “Through the changes to the tenancy agreement we are making today, we are bringing an end to the unfair blanket ban on pets introduced by some landlords. This strikes the right balance between helping more people find a home that’s right for them and their pet while ensuring landlords’ properties are safeguarded against inappropriate or badly behaved pets.”

For more information please click here.

If you have any questions about the issues raised in this update, please do not hesitate to get in touch.