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Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) LGA Briefing
The Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill seeks to remove the possibility for public bodies, including councils, to campaign against, boycott, seek divestment from, or sanction a particular territory internationally, unless endorsed by the Government’s own foreign policy.
The LGA has produced a briefing which focuses on the practical impacts of the technical content of the bill, as it relates to the procurement and pensions activities of councils. We will continue to follow the Bill’s progress and raise additional points as needed.
What new notices will you need to publish under the Procurement Bill?
The Procurement Bill is set to bring some major changes to how you conduct procurement – in a bid to bolster transparency and accountability in public procurement, the Bill will require you to publish a number of new notice types throughout your procurement processes.
These range from Planned Procurement Notices and Transparency Notices pre-contract, to Contract Change Notices and Contract Termination Notices towards a contract's conclusions.
Tussell have developed a great resource in the form of a flowchart that will help your team prepare for the changes and show you all the new notices being introduced through the Bill, and where they fit into the procurement lifecycle.
Swimming Pool Support Fund launched
The government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) provides £60 million funding to councils in England as a support package for public leisure facilities with swimming pools. The SPSF is split into two phases:
- Phase I – Revenue: £20 million is available to support facilities with swimming pools with increased cost pressures, which are most vulnerable to closure or significant service reduction
- Phase II – Capital: £40 million will also be made available for capital investment to improve the energy efficiency of public facilities with pools in the medium to long term
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has worked with Sport England to set the fund criteria and they will also act as the accountable body for its administration and monitoring – on behalf of DCMS.
Phase I of the SPSF is open for applications until 11 August. Details on the capital funding will follow shortly with an expected launch date of September 2023 for applications. Should you have any queries or questions about the fund, please contact: swimmingpoolsupportfund@sportengland.org.
Rogue business rates agents – reminder
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is urging businesses to protect themselves from rogue business rates agents. New rateable values for business properties came into effect in April 2023. Councils used these new values to calculate business rates bills.
Businesses can challenge their valuation if they think it’s incorrect and can use a rating agent do this. Businesses can manage their own business rates by creating a Business Rates Valuation Account. The VOA has produced a checklist to help businesses if they want to use a business rates agent. Councils are encouraged to share this information with businesses in their area.
Million Hours Fund open for applications
To mark Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week the government and The National Lottery Community Fund have announced the first round of funding for youth organisations to provide more out-of-school activities and support young people. Additional youth workers, volunteers, venue hire and activity resources will be made available through the first tranche of funding, now open for applications. The £3 million investment will also fund youth workers’ engagement with young people in the areas they already spend time in, such as parks and leisure facilities.
Councils are encouraged to share this information where appropriate.
Residential Leasehold Buildings Insurance Roundtable
The LGA are holding a roundtable to discuss issues councils have been experiencing obtaining buildings insurance on behalf of leaseholders. Taking place Monday 10 July 2:30pm – 4:00pm, the roundtable will cover the current market situation and potential next steps.
To attend, please email Georgia.Goddard@local.gov.uk
Simplifying the funding landscape for councils
DLUHC has published the government’s plan for simplifying the funding landscape for councils. The plan sets out the government’s ambition for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the current funding system. Alongside the plan, DLUHC has also published the following accompanying documents:
11 Jul 2023 10:00am - 11:30am | Online
The LGA Procurement team manages several LGA webpages dedicated to your needs. Please email guy.head@local.gov.uk if you would like any information added to our webpages:
The LGA's membership magazine, 'first', is delivered free each month to just under 17,000 councillors and local authority chief executives. Access first online to browse all news articles, features and opinion pieces, including those from past issues.
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