Local government reorganisation continues to evolve, and so do the rules that underpin it. In this short note Gemma Duncan highlights a key update proposed by the recently published draft Local Government (Structural and Boundary Changes) (Control Of Disposals Etc.) (Amendment) Order 2026 which will change how s24 directions will operate, tackling a long-standing issue around... Read more
Authors: Christopher Watkins, Fred Groves and George McLellan Introduction Generative AI can offer a host of benefits to members of the public when interacting with public bodies, particularly to individuals who may previously have faced difficulties in composing formal correspondence, such as a complaint or request for information. However, the increasing use of generative AI is... Read more
The High Court has confirmed that email service of statutory notices and decisions by local authorities is valid and effective on delivery, irrespective of whether the email is seen by the person concerned. Authors Chloe McQuillan, Olivia Peake, and Amy Dann explain what you need to know. Decision of Maidstone Magistrates’ Court The Magistrates’ Court... Read more
Authors: Nicola Sumner and Beatrice Wood This article considers the recent judgment in The New Lottery Company Limited v The Gambling Commission and Allwyn Entertainment Limited and others [2026] EWHC 891 (TCC), which included claims in relation to the conduct of the procurement process (the “Process Claim”) and a challenge to post award modifications made... Read more
Oliver Dickie and Olivia Peake consider the judgment in R (The Greyhound Board of Great Britain Limited) v The Welsh Ministers [2026] EWHC 670 (Admin) In dismissing a judicial review of a decision by the Welsh Ministers to ban greyhound racing in Wales, the Administrative Court sitting in Cardiff has held that there is no... Read more
Beatrice Wood, Oliver Slater and Melodi Mangan review the new housing streamlined subsidy scheme, which smooths the path for awards of up to £75m on relevant housing projects. The Housing Streamlined Route Streamlined routes are a type of subsidy scheme made by government for voluntary use by any UK public authority. This article explores the... Read more
At Sharpe Pritchard, we are proud to see our colleagues contributing to the wider housing sector. Not just through the work we do with clients every day, but by helping to shape its future. We’re therefore delighted that Rachel Murray-Smith, Partner in our Construction team, has been invited to sit on the judging panel for... Read more
