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

Building budgets around places

By Stephen Taylor | 12 February 2026

Stephen Taylor says that if place-based budgeting is done in the right way, people and communities will have the learning, satisfaction and joy of creating t...

WHITEHALL

The art of the deal

By Cllr Stephen Alambritis | 12 February 2026

Stephen Alambritis says local authorities need to think commercially to thrive – and he explains what one London council’s £186m deal proves.

WHITEHALL

What councils need to know about Martyn's law

By Nathan Emmerich | 12 February 2026

Nathan Emmerich looks at the role councils are playing during the implementation period of Martyn’s Law – the legislation aimed at protecting the public agai...

WHITEHALL

It's time to maximise the opportunities

By Rachael Morris | 12 February 2026

Julie Towers and Rachael Morris of Penna share their experience of local government reorganisation and the impact, challenges and opportunities for talent at...

Popular articles by Mark Conrad