I am delighted that thanks to sponsorship from the East of England Local Government Association and help with updating from Browne Jacobson I am able to print a limited edition of the 2017 Local Authority Charging and Trading Guide. The Guide is an invaluable aid to all local authorities seeking to comply with legislation facilitating charging, trading and municipal enterprise.
When was this Guide to Local Authority Charging and Trading first published?
The compendium of local authority charging powers was collated during an earlier economic recession in 1996 and the guide has been updated annually ever since but only available to lawyers subscribing to lexis nexis on line services.
Why is the Guide needed?
Only local government has such complex laws governing charging and trading. It is essential to understand what freedoms, flexibilities, prohibitions and constraints exist. Also, this book can potentially save and make money for hard pressed local authorities.
Isn’t there a law which lets a local authority do anything anyone can do? i.e. a power of general competence?
Yes, but there are limitations on that power, particularly around trading and charging. For example - if there are existing laws governing what fees or charges can be made for a service, those laws must be followed.
So how does this Guide help?
With assistance from law firm Browne Jacobson LLP I have collected all the charging powers I could find into one place. This saves everyone time and money researching legislation and is a great starting point for income generation;
What about trading?
The Guide explains the differences between charging and trading and outlines the role of trading companies where local authorities are seeking to act for a ‘commercial purpose’. There is also a list of public bodies with whom local authorities can trade under the 1970 Goods and Services Act.
Who should have a copy of this Guide?
Anyone in local government across any service area would benefit from having this guide close to hand to help spark new ideas for generating much needed extra income for public services
Where can we get more copies?
The Guide is available on-line to subscribers to lexis nexis. The East of England Local Government Association are also making a limited amount of copies available to delegates attending the business accelerator programme which I help co-deliver with Essex County Council. A limited edition of printed copies are also available for sale (£20 plus £3 P&P) by order – contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.