Content
The LGPIH Bill is expected to become law by the end of this Parliamentary session, in early November 2007. This seminar will look in detail at the provisions of the legislation in its final stages, and examine a number of the practical questions likely to arise from its implementation. It will also cover the linked changes to the Members’ Code of Conduct.
The seminar will be in two parts:
1. Decision-making:
- The legislation and new Model Code
- Devolution to Standards Committees
- Issues on implementation
2. Governance issues in the Bill:
- Structural change
- Four year Leaders
- Directly-elected executives: can they work?
- Moving to whole council elections
- Scrutiny and the Community call for action
- Devolving functions to local members: what and how?
- Creating more parishes: community governance reviews
Each seminar will be led by two of the following three barristers from 2-3 Gray’s Inn Square: James Findlay, Damien Welfare and Josef Cannon. Their profiles are below.
The seminar is held in both Bristol and Southampton on different dates so you have a choice of location from which to choose. Please feel free to attend either.
The seminar provides 3 CPD hours. Ref: 1790/LGTP
Speakers
James Findlay
James Findlay, called in 1984, practices in local government & administrative, planning & environment and licensing work. He is a member of both PEBA and ALBA. His practice currently comprises a significant number of appearances in High Court and at public inquiry. In Chambers Guide 2006 he is recognised as a leading junior in Local Government (“an excellent junior and good all rounder”) and Licensing (“a clear leader”) and is also recognised as leading junior in Legal 500 (2006) for both Administrative & Public Law and Environmental Law.
Damien Welfare
Damien Welfare came to the Bar in 2001 after a successful career in Local Government. Previously a local government officer principally as a Parliamentary and European lobbyist for local authorities. Also acted as Special Adviser to the Leader of the House of Lords. Specialises in the following areas of law: Local Government Administration and Powers, Data Protection and Freedom of Information and Parliamentary. He routinely advises on aspects of local government administration including constitutional arrangements, scrutiny powers, joint arrangements and delegation of functions. Has specialist interest in the local authority power of well-being (section 2, Local Government Act 2000).
Josef Cannon
Josef Cannon is a graduate of Kings College, London, and was called to the Bar by Lincolns Inn in 2002. His practice covers all aspects of local authority law, including housing, homelessness, social security and community care and planning; employment for both applicants and respondents; licensing, where he acts for the trade, for objectors and for local authorities; and general common law, including landlord and tenant. He regularly appears in the AIT on asylum and immigration matters, and has particular experience in representing unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors. He has also lectured on a number of subjects, including Freedom of Information, housing, support for asylum seekers and the new Licensing Act.
Employment Club
Please note that there will also be an 'Employment club' which will take place from 11.15am – 12.00pm in advance of the main seminar. This is a workshop on employment law issues and will be conducted by Simon Collingridge of the Veale Wasbrough Employment team.
If you know in advance of any particular issues you would like to discuss in the club session, please email Simon at scollingridge@vwl.co.uk
