Local Authority round-up 07/05/20

Brexit

UK could give up on “zero-tariff, zero-quota” deal

Michael Gove has insisted that there will be no extension to the transition period and in order to reach a trade deal with the EU by the end of the year the UK may be willing to accept tariffs on goods. He said the UK was “prepared to modify our ask”, to regain autonomy over “level playing field” regulations on workers and the environment. “It is one of the ways in which we would be prepared to show leg.” In giving evidence to the Lords EU Committee he said that the UK might “end up like Canada with tariff on a possible number of goods.” He confirmed that there would need to be border checks in the Irish Sea and suggested there may be “flexibility” that might extend the settled status scheme for EU citizens in the UK if necessary, because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Progress “has not been good” in negotiations

Simon Coveney has warned that the coronavirus pandemic has made securing a comprehensive post-Brexit trade deal even more important but said that trade talks progress is not good. With the UK and the EU having only two more scheduled negotiation rounds ahead of an assessment he said that “Time is short and there’s an awful lot to do.” He further said that “In order to get a trade deal we need to know there’s a level playing field so businesses in Ireland are not disadvantaged.” He said that he is concerned that unless significant progress was made soon, the UK and EU would reach “another crisis point” in the negotiations.

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US-UK trade talks begin

Trade talks between the UK and the US began this week, after a delay due to coronavirus, and are expected to last for two weeks with further sessions set to take place approximately every six weeks. The first round of discussions will cover trade in goods and services, digital trade, two-way investment and support for small and medium-sized businesses. Donald Trump has said he hopes to negotiate a quick deal but UK Ministers say they will drive a “hard bargain” as they seek to lower tariffs on exports and boost trade in services. International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said “Increasing transatlantic trade can help our economies bounce back from the economic challenge posed by coronavirus.” As we sit down at the negotiating table, be assured that we will drive a hard bargain to secure a deal that benefits individuals and businesses in every region and nation of the UK.” Shadow International Trade Secretary Emily Thornberry said “Labour will insist that any proposed trade deal is subject to proper scrutiny, and we will not let the interests of the British people be sacrificed to boost the profits of US corporations.”

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Commercial

Revaluation of business rates delayed

The Non-Domestic Ratings (List) Bill 2019-20 was introduced to bring the next revaluation of business rates forward by one year from 2022 to 2021. However, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, this will no longer go ahead. Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said “We have listened to businesses and their concerns about the timing of the 2021 business rates revaluation and have acted to end that uncertainty by postponing the change. Now is the time for us to continue to focus on supporting businesses affected by the pandemic, including through our unprecedented package of almost £10 billion in business rates relief.”

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£6.1 funding for Business Improvement Districts

High Streets Minister Simon Clarke MP has announced £6.1 million in funding to help high streets and town centres through the coronavirus pandemic. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), which are local business partnerships that bring developers and communities together to provide local leadership, drive regeneration and deliver projects and additional local services, will receive support from the funding to help cover their day to day costs for the next three months and contribute to their operational costs. The money will be paid to councils who will then pay the money to the BIDs. High Streets Minister Simon Clarke MP said “BIDs are uniquely placed and have a proven track record of success in supporting local businesses, empowering communities, championing our town centres and driving forward the renewal of our high streets. It’s only right that during these unprecedented times we give them all the necessary support they need to continue operating, so that they can carry on their vital work now and crucially when we move into the recovery phase from the current crisis.”

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£76 million funding for the vulnerable

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick today has announced £76 million extra funding to support the most vulnerable in society during the pandemic including funding for charities to support survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, vulnerable children and their families and victims of modern slavery. The funding will provide £34.15 million to safeguard vulnerable children including children with disabilities, those who are critically ill, care leavers and children in the early years. £28 million in funding will be for survivors of domestic abuse and there are also changes so that domestic abuse survivors will automatically qualify for priority need under council duty to relieve homelessness. £10 million is to support victims of sexual violence access advice and support, through the funding of technology to enable charities to offer services remotely. A further £3 million per annum until 2022 will also be invested in the recruitment of more Independent Sexual Violence Advisors across the country.  £1.73 million will provide emergency support to modern slavery charities who have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Home Secretary Priti Patel said “From day one of this national health emergency, we have been working across government, law enforcement and charities, to safeguard the most vulnerable people from abuse. I’m delighted that together we can provide this multi-million pound funding to help ensure vital services remain accessible to victims.”

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Regulatory

New guidance to help councils deal with complaints during crisis

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, has published new guidance to explain what principles it expects councils to follow during the crisis. Councils and care providers have been reminded to keep responding to complaints during the coronavirus pandemic and they are also advised to ensure that frontline staff are clear about any new expectations and documenting departures from normal practice. Michael King, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, said “While we recognise the unique pressures currently placed on councils and care providers, we still expect them to respond appropriately to any complaints during this time of national emergency. We understand their responses may look different to those we would normally expect, but councils and care providers should still pay close attention to urgent and serious public concerns.”

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Ministers urge councils to plan for safe re-opening of recycling centres

Councils are being encouraged to open sites to avoid the build-up of waste in homes and businesses and reduce the opportunity for fly-tipping, but only where social distancing can be maintained and the public and staff can be kept safe. To support them to do this, the government has published new guidance on how recycling centres can be safely re-opened during the coronavirus outbreak. The guidance sets out how councils could manage access and the number of people who are able to be on site at any one time but it also recognises the importance of councils making independent assessments of which centres can be re-opened based on how much capacity they have and the practicalities of adhering to social distancing requirements at any one site.

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Planning and housing

Specialist taskforce created to help rough sleepers

A specialist taskforce has been created, which will be led by Dame Louise Casey, to advise the government on next steps of emergency response to support vulnerable rough sleepers during the coronavirus pandemic. The taskforce will consist of a team of experts who will advise councils on plans to support rough sleepers into long-term, safe accommodation once lockdown is lifted in order to prevent them from returning to the streets and to ensure they continue to receive physical and mental health support whilst self-isolating. Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said “As the country prepares for the next phase of the battle against coronavirus, Dame Louise Casey will spearhead a taskforce to provide us with expert advice and knowledge to put in place a long-term plan to stop as many vulnerable people as possible from returning to life on the streets.”

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Council leaders pledge to continuing vital building safety work

Safety Minister Lord Greenhalgh has announced that a further 25 councils have joined the pledge to ensure vital building safety work continues where this can be done safely and in line with public health guidance. They now join the 26 councils and 5 regional mayors who have already pledged to continue with the work. The vital work includes ensuring the safety of those living in high-rise buildings with unsafe cladding and ensuring that this work is prioritised whilst ensuring that those working on site are given clear information and support to guarantee their own safety and limit the spread of coronavirus. Mr Greenhalgh said “We are bringing about the biggest change in building safety in a generation backed by our unprecedented £1 billion fund for removing unsafe cladding from high-rise buildings, in addition to the £600 million already made available. In order to ensure the safety of residents, building safety work must resume where it can be done safely and in line with public health guidance. The agreement reached with local leaders from across the country is an important step that demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring this vital work continues during the pandemic.”

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