Local Government Law – an introduction - Webinar

This webinar will provide an overview of local government law, with a particular emphasis on recent developments in the area not covered in current textbooks.

The first part of the webinar will summarise the legislative background to the current 32 unitary local authorities, with its origins in previous local government arrangements. A short outline of how councils are financed will be included.

Key to the understanding of how councils operate – and, potentially, how their actions can be challenged – is how they take policy and operative decisions. This is covered in some detail, with an explanation of what statutory powers can be used to pursue councils’ objectives.

The role of a councillor will be examined in this context, as well as how the typical council interacts with its community. The webinar will also detail the types of functions that councils deliver day to day, either on their own or, increasingly, in partnership, seen through the perspective of a busy ‘law and admin’ service.

Typical areas that require legal input will be examined, from regulatory matters such as planning to more ‘mainstream’ functions such as education and housing.

After attending this webinar, delegates will have gained a greater understanding of local government law, both in relation to subject areas and decision-making mechanisms.