Public sector clause bank

This subtopic is aimed at public sector lawyers dealing with contract matters and contains a selection of guidance and Precedents, including boilerplate and key clauses common to many contracts which govern the general operation of the agreement and the respective rights of the parties. Subjects covered include the use of model contracts, defined terms, the role of boilerplate and an introduction to the rules of jurisdiction.

The selected guidance in this subtopic is intended to provide an overview of some of the key terms relevant for drafting contracts and frameworks. Further Precedents and guidance are available from Lexis+® UK Commercial and Dispute Resolution.

Government model contracts

The Cabinet Office maintains three standard contract document collections, with templates and guidance for government contracts:

•
Model Services Contract
•
Mid-Tier Contract
•
Short Form Contract

In-scope authorities (central government departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies) are urged to adopt the standard contracts, instead of using bespoke contracts, unless there is an existing government framework available. Other public sector bodies are also encouraged to apply a standardised approach. This approach is intended to save money, time and resources

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest Local Government News

Judicial review—Court of Appeal refuses government appeal against alternative remedy ruling (Ammori v SSHD)

Public Law analysis: The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal by the Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD) against a ruling by the High Court that an application to de-proscribe a proscribed organisation, coupled with an appeal to the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission (POAC), was not a suitable alternative remedy to judicial review in the circumstances of the case. Ms Ammori’s application for permission to appeal against the decision of the High Court refusing permission to apply for judicial review on grounds 1, 5, 6 and 7 was brought out of time. However, the Court of Appeal granted her an extension of time. The Court of Appeal also granted permission to apply for judicial review (instead of permission to appeal) in respect of ground 5, limited to the matters raised in the amended statement of facts and grounds, and ground 6. It refused permission to appeal in relation to grounds 1 and 7 of the amended statement of facts and grounds. Written by Rowena Wisniewska Sethi, barrister at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square Chambers.

DfE publishes details of expert advisory group on FE teacher training and development

The Department for Education (DfE) has published membership and details of an expert advisory group established to support the development of new guidance on curriculum content for further education (FE) initial teacher education courses. The guidance is expected to be published ahead of the 2026–27 academic year. The group is chaired by the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Wigan and Leigh College, Anna Dawe, and comprises 12 members with expertise in FE initial teacher education programme delivery and related academic research. Its work will be informed by responses to the DfE’s call for evidence on FE teacher training and development, launched on 17 October 2025 and closing on 12 December 2025.

JCSI publishes thirty-seventh report of Session 2024–26

The Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments (JCSI) has published its thirty-seventh report of session 2024–26. Eight instruments were drawn to the special attention of the House: the Electricity and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) (Amendment, Saving and Transitional Provisions) Order 2025, SI 2025/802, reported for defective drafting; the Power to Award Degrees Etc. (LTE Group Limited) Order 2025, SI 2025/826, for doubt as to whether it is intra vires; the Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025, SI 2025/890, and the Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025, SI 2025/914, each for doubt as to vires; the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025, SI 2025/989, for failure to comply with proper legislative practice and for doubt as to whether it is intra vires; the Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) (Riverside Energy Park) (England) Order 2025, SI 2025/1001, and the Non-Contentious Probate (Amendment) Rules 2025, SI 2025/1004, for requiring elucidation; and the Building Regulations Etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025, SI 2025/1017, for defective drafting.

MHCLG publishes guidance on electrical safety standards for rented sectors

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published guidance, explaining how electrical safety standards regulations apply to landlords, tenants and local authorities in both the private and social rented sectors in England. The guidance covers the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/312, which were updated in 2025 to include the social rented sector through the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) (Amendment) (Extension to the Social Rented Sector) Regulations 2025, SI 2025/978. Under the regulations, landlords must ensure that electrical installations in rented properties are inspected at least every five years by a suitably qualified professional. Social landlords who provide electrical equipment must also ensure that such equipment is tested. Landlords are required to provide tenants with proof that installations and equipment have been inspected, tested and checked.

View Local Government by content type :

News