Title

WHITEHALL

LGA demands talks over anti-terror law

The Local Government Association (LGA) has demanded fresh talks with senior Home Office figures amid concerns a proposed anti-terror law will heap huge costs onto councils.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has demanded fresh talks with senior Home Office figures amid concerns a proposed anti-terror law will heap huge costs onto councils.

Ministers have proposed the introduction of Martyn's Law - a duty that would require venues and public spaces to improve safety.

The LGA has raised concerns about the regulatory and administrative costs of the law, which would cover council-linked venues including community centres, town halls, schools, libraries, museums, village halls and sports facilities.

It has been estimated that larger venues face huge compliance bills of £80,000 over 10 years.

Deputy chair of the LGA's safer and stronger communities board, Clive Woodbridge, said: ‘Implementation will require substantial resources - not just money, but investment in people with the necessary skills and capabilities.

‘I think there has been some contact - certainly between the relevant officers and the Home Office - but over the coming weeks and months we would welcome the opportunity to speak in more detail with them and at a higher level.'

The LGA has called for ministers to consider exempting smaller bodies or venues amid fears that small, religious or charitable organisations may stop hosting events.

Cllr Woodbridge added: ‘It would be a win for terrorism if a lot of those events that are at the centre of our lives… were to be wound down because of this legislation.'

WHITEHALL

Budget deficit warning over two unitary plan

By Joe Lepper | 13 October 2025

One of two unitary authorities proposed for Warwickshire amid local government reorganisation ‘would exist with a budget deficit from day one’, a report has ...

WHITEHALL

What housing providers could get wrong under Awaab's Law

By Trevor Hampton | 09 October 2025

Trevor Hampton highlights some costly mistakes social housing providers could make under the new legislation.

WHITEHALL

Alcohol harm warning over licensing relaxation

By Izzy Lepone | 09 October 2025

Government plans to allow pubs, clubs and restaurants to open into the early hours will ‘undoubtedly increase alcohol harm’, the Association of Directors of ...

WHITEHALL

175 years after their creation, public libraries are still vital

By Isobel Hunter | 09 October 2025

This year marks 175 years of the Public Libraries Act. Isobel Hunter says that while we celebrate the libraries of the past we must work together to secure t...

Popular articles by Mark Conrad