Local Government weekly highlights—31 July 2025
This week's edition of Local Government weekly highlights includes enhanced coverage of the Supreme Court decision in D.E.L.T.A. Merseyside Ltd v Uber Britannia Ltd, clarifying operator liability under the PHV licensing regime and case analysis of Adriatic Land 5 Limited v Long Leaseholders at Hippersley Point on BSA 2022 and recoverability of service charges; R (Ellis) v SSJ on prisoner’s right to access education and Blackburn with Darwen BC v M, in which a Care Order was granted after findings of salt poisoning and shaking injury. Case reports include Wathen-Fayed v SSLUHC, in which the Supreme Court considered whether storing cremation ashes in memorial gardens is a ‘crematorium’ triggering restrictions on proximity to dwellings; R (Rights: Community: Action Ltd) v SSHCLG (The Office for Environmental Protection; Green Alliance and Essex Planning Officers' Association, intervening), in which the court found that the written ministerial statement did not unlawfully restrict LPAs under PEA 2008; Kent CC v The Mother, in which the court ruled that a 17–year-old has the right to make decisions about his accommodation and welfare and a DOL order was not in his best interests and would offend ChA 1989; and (Re H (Children) (Findings of Fact) in which the court set aside flawed factual findings in care proceedings due to procedural errors. It also includes coverage of the updated scope and remit document for the Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS); a formal letter issued to LAs on the local government reorganisation proposals with guidance as well as the establishment of an advisory group; revised CA 2014 statutory guidance; and the HCLG Committee report calling for council tax reform and greater fiscal devolution. It includes further updates on licensing, social housing, education, children’s social care, public procurement, governance, social care and local government finance.