This follows a previous article in The Solicitor’s Journal that discussed the shift towards centralised legal services within local government, on which David Merson also commented.
In the latest article David
points to a continuing trend with regards probity matters, where there are complaints against the way local authorities have dealt with matters – either at officer or committee level. Complaints are also made against members in relation to their conduct and their private business.
“Those types of issue are sometimes difficult for local authorities to be able to deal with in house, either by reference to their existing skill set or arising out of potential conflicts of interest. So that regulatory and investigatory field is one that seems to be growing,” says Merson. His team includes solicitors who have previously worked in house. “They have the nose for working within what is often a highly politicized environment, and they have the requisite knowledge and skillset,” he says.
With infrastructure funding also a growing issue, Merson continues, local authorities will have to look at way they structure their community infrastructure levy. “There will be a lot of work on consulting on and developing levels of charging rates. Local authorities will need ongoing advice, certainly in relation to IPC procedures and decisions which may be subject to considerable challenge.”
Whatever your specialism, David Merson’s view is that existing clients are the greatest source of business – but keeping hold of them will take a great deal of commitment from firms. “Local authorities are still going to be looking to the private sector to cover the big projects which they cannot always resource. There is always a great deal of pressure on costs – and this is understandable – but the expectation is that quality is maintained and that creates increased pressures and tensions. This in turn means we have to work doubly hard at maintaining the client relationships we have.”
To view a pdf of this article click here or to view the full article on the Solicitor's Journal website click here
To see the previous Solicitor’s Journal article on this subject click here.
To contact
David Merson
phone 0207 421 1720 or email dmerson@steeleslaw.co.uk