Department profile
Bevan Brittan LLP

Local Government

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Bevan Brittan LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Bevan Brittan LLP

Local government continues to face unprecedented challenges, in uncertain times:

  • Austerity cuts are taking their toll and with future funding formula unknown, hard political choices are being made about whether to cease or reduce the provision of services, introduce charges where appropriate, how to raise revenue and/or transform what is on offer.​
  • Many councils are now reduced to the core, with the focus largely on transformation, taking advantage of technological developments and different ways of providing services, in order to reduce cost and still meet statutory duties.
  • As councils are shrinking, many roles at a senior management level have been stripped out, reducing corporate memory, skills and experience available to face the challenges and innovation required for the future.

Our experience is that in this environment councils are seeking to redefine their roles; focus on a growth and prosperity agenda with a stronger sense of place; at the same time seeking to manage demand for services resulting in different delivery models. 

An emphasis on thorough legal, financial and technical input into decision making and procedural compliance will be critical in all these aspects.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Local Government - UK-wide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Bevan Brittan is an outstanding local government practice with a strong bench of practitioners handling contentious matters, projects to integrate health and social care services, regeneration and housing. The team is also well versed in alternative business structures and outsourcing. It assists local authorities with the formation of joint ventures and advises on the implications of subsidy control, as well as governance and standards issues. The firm demonstrates its prowess in local government matters nationally, with lawyers based across the firm's offices in London, Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bevan Brittan advised Bradford Metropolitan District Council on the disposal of hundreds of property assets with an estimated combined value of £45m.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Bevan Brittan has strong leadership and offers sensible and efficient advice.

    Local Government respondentUK
  • The firm has an excellent client service approach.

    Local Government respondentUK
  • Bevan Brittan's team is responsive, easy to work with, knowledgeable and helpful.

    Local Government respondentUK
  • Bevan Brittan proactively works to enhance service delivery and offer added value client care.

    Local Government respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 4Bethan Lloyd
    Band 4Bethan Lloyd

    Bethan Lloyd

    Bethan Lloyd is a partner in the local government team at Bevan Brittan. She has a broad practice that encompasses advice on matters including public procurement, subsidy control law and competition law.
    • Bethan Lloyd's main strength is her local government sector understanding.

      Local Government respondentUK
  • Associates to watchPhilip McCourt
    Associates to watchPhilip McCourt

    Philip McCourt

    Philip McCourt is a legal director at Bevan Brittan with a broad local government practice. He is adept at assisting local authorities with constitutions, issues concerning monitoring officers, and overall decision-making.

    • Philip McCourt has a vast CV of local government experience

      Local Government respondentUK
    • He is incredibly knowledgeable.

      Local Government respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Bevan Brittan LLP (2)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Bevan Brittan LLP

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