Legislation / Legal

LC: The Law Commission has published a report recommending the repeal of more than 800 old laws that are cluttering up the statute book.
Press release & links
 
MoJ: The new virtual court at Hatfield Remand Court allows a defendant, charged in Watford’s police station, to have their first hearing held over secure video link from the Magistrates’ court, often within hours of being charged.  

Virtual courts are designed to avoid delays for victims & witnesses and to ensure crimes are dealt with more quickly & effectively. The same equipment is used for police officers providing evidence at court from the police station.
Press release & links
 
DCLG: Parish Councils across England, including Bideford Town Council, have been handed a new power to continue to hold prayers as part of their formal business. In February 2012, the High Court ruled against Bideford Town Council, maintaining that it was illegal for councils to continue with the long-standing practice of holding prayers at the beginning of their meetings.
Press release & links
 
LGA: The Local Government Association (LGA) has called on the Government to ensure that its proposed new Late Night Levy for clubs & bars adequately compensates councils for keeping nightlife hotspots clean & safe.  Under the Home Office proposals, councils & police will be able to charge venues for the cost of protecting their customers and cleaning up after them. 

Government is proposing that 70% of the fee would go to the police.  Councils are warning that this ignores their role in maintaining visible street patrols, cleaning up streets, and working with businesses to protect customer and would leave them unable to invest in new schemes & improvements to high streets.  The LGA is calling for police & councils to be able to decide locally how to spend & share the money. 
Press release & links
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story