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Key considerations for local government projects

We understand the need to achieve best value in a transparent and accountable way and the need for public sector projects to meet the objectives of all stakeholders, including political takeholders.

We fully understand the issues which arise when local authorities interface with the private sector for the provision of engineering and construction works and services. We have cutting edge expertise in aligning the values and motivations of the private sector with those of local authorities.

How we can help

Our team of construction and engineering lawyers provides specialist advice to local authorities across the country. We also work with other public bodies with local authority status, such as waste disposal and transport authorities.

Expertise

We have helped our local authority clients successfully deliver a broad range of engineering and construction projects, for example:

• Infrastructure projects - the procurement of new rail, road and airports; highway and rail maintenance works and services; installation and maintenance of street lighting, traffic signalling, highway furniture, utilities and communication media.
• Regeneration and development - brownfield and urban regeneration projects and new build development schemes including the procurement of hospitals; schools; private and social housing; retail, industrial and commercial units; sports facilities and stadia; public amenities and tourist facilities; waste processing plant; libraries and car parks.
• Public Private Partnerships including PFI projects - the provision of engineering and construction works and services through or in conjunction with private sector partners including the establishment of joint venture companies, partnering and strategic alliancing arrangements.
• Clean energy - the procurement of biomass, windfarm and other renewable and clean energy developments; the installation, operation and maintenance of turbines, waste to energy and solar energy plant to existing properties and as part of development projects.
• Dispute resolution - where disputes arise during projects we provide strategic advice to protect your interests and mitigate the effect of any dispute.

Our team has extensive experience of drafting and negotiating construction and engineering contracts and associated documentation on behalf of Local Authorities, both on standard forms such as NEC and JCT and bespoke contracts. We understand the benefits and risks to Local Authorities of different contractual arrangements and the use of target costing, KPIs and performance related payment.

Training

We provide our local authority clients with tailored training on relevant engineering and construction issues and developments. This includes a programme of training on the third edition of the NEC suite of contracts.