Local Government

Print this page
On this page you will find the following, specifically related to Local Government;
Just click on the links above to jump to that part of the page

Recommended in Chambers and Partners 2016

Canterbury-based Becket Chambers operates across Kent and Sussex, and acts for a variety of clients, although it is best recognised for its work on behalf of local authorities. Its members advise on a range of contentious matters such as boundary disputes and planning objections. Of late the set has been instructed in the public inquiry relating to The Terning Wheel in Copthorne, West Sussex, which concerned the designation of residential caravans as ‘low cost’ housing. Chambers and Partners 2016

The Becket Chambers Local Authority Team regularly undertakes cases in all aspects of law relating to Local Government, instructed by local authorities throughout Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Becket Chambers’ broad local government law practice includes expertise in:

  • Local Authority Housing
  • Council housing
  • Possession
  • Rent areas
  • Anti-social behaviour
  • Employment Law – including cases involving dismissal and/or involving discrimination on any grounds
  • Licensing
  • Planning and Rating
  • Local Government prosecutions
  • Benefit fraud

Our housing law specialists are instructed by local authorities, private landlords and tenants in possession proceedings and related litigation. The Civil team also provides advice and advocacy for proceedings including licensing law, planning, parking and personal injury, and will offer written or oral advice in respect of the prospects of success or other aspects of cases. In respect of local government prosecutions we will also assist with the drafting of summons, charges and indictments. In addition, our Rating and Planning experts specialise in cases involving commercial property

Our Barristers have extensive experience of dealing with expert evidence and advising on complex property and regulatory matters.

Case Studies

Jasraj Sanghera represents the Council prosecuting for Environmental Offences

Case Summary Two Defendants were charged with various environmental offences. In essence, the first Defendant was charged with permitting the second Defendant to deposit and dispose of controlled waste on his land without an environmental permit. The second Defendant was charged with depositing and disposing that controlled waste. Result After Jasraj had discussions with the … Continue reading →

Successful fly-tipping prosecution

Paul acted for the District Council on a fly-tipping prosecution where the Defendant had charged a family member £10 to take some rubbish, including packaging material, to the Tip, but had then simply ‘dumped’ it. The Defendant was traced, via the family, because of an address label attached to some of the rubbish. Paul’s case … Continue reading →

Successful nuisance neighbour/anti-social behaviour possession claim

Paul acted for the local authority in a nuisance neighbour/anti-social behaviour possession claim. There had been a long history of issues between two neighbours resulting in repeated interventions and attendance by the Police and Local Authority and culminating in possession proceedings. The Claim was issued relying on several hundred allegations, based on a single neighbour’s … Continue reading →

Opposing an application for an injunction

Dean was instructed by a local authority to oppose an application for an injunction together with a claim for damages for breach of statutory duty and harassment following attempts by the local authority to enforce a court order. The claimant argued that the local authority had not complied with the correct procedure and that its … Continue reading →

Avoiding revocation of a premises licence

Paul acted for a Premises Licence holder who was resisting an application by Kent Police to revoke the Licence on the grounds of the sale of alcohol to a child (recorded on CCTV). The teenager was subsequently hospitalised as a result of the effects of drink and drugs. There had been a number of recent … Continue reading →

View all

Local Government Articles

Paul Tapsell

Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

Added in Local Government by Paul Tapsell

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 created a new (and rigorous) statutory framework for individuals and companies dealing with scrap metal imposing significant criminal penalties for any breaches; more local authorities are becoming aware of the additional options for dealing with sites where unauthorised activities are leading to complaints and pressure from residents (and councillors). … Continue reading →

Local Government Testimonials

Paul did a great job for us in this matter and we were very pleased with the result.

As usual, we were very happy with the service given to us.

Ms W – Solicitor – Instructing Paul Tapsell

Local Government

Paul Tapsell

“As always, service from Nicole Jennings has been exemplary.”

Ms O from Solicitors Instructing Nicole Jennings – December 19

Local Government

Nicole Jennings

“I am pleased to confirm my complete satisfaction with Paul Tapsell’s dealings. I have always received an excellent service from Counsels instructed and from the Clerks’ room.”

 

Ms O from Solicitors Instructing Paul Tapsell – December 19

Local Government

Paul Tapsell

“Thank you very much for representing us yesterday and for arguing our case so well.”

Miss O from Solicitors instructing Paul Tapsell – March 19

Local Government

Paul Tapsell

“Gayle as delivered a top notch representation for me and I’m very thankful for her as well.”

Mr J Instructing Gayle Ashley through Solicitors – July 2017

Local Government

Gayle Ashley

“Gayle was great and I’d definitely suggest her again to clients and my colleague, so thank you very much for arranging for her to attend at quite short notice.”

Ms F from Solicitors Instructing Gayle Ashley – July 2017

Local Government

Gayle Ashley

“My colleague and I would like to express our thanks to Gayle. Not only does she possess an extremely helpful and pleasant manner but her approach in making submissions was calm, considered and highly persuasive.”

Ms K from Instructing Solicitors instructing Gayle Ashley – December 15

Local Government

Gayle Ashley