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

Suffolk CC to push on with LGR legal challenge

By William Eichler | 30 June 2026

Suffolk CC is pursuing its legal challenge to local government reorganisation (LGR) following revelations communities secretary Steve Reed defied civil servi...

WHITEHALL

Burnham's devolution mission

By Martin Ford | 30 June 2026

Poised to enter No10, Andy Burnham has put devolution firmly at the centre of his leadership pitch in his first speech since entering what may be a one-horse...

WHITEHALL

Burnham puts devolution at centre of leadership pitch

By Martin Ford | 29 June 2026

Andy Burnham has pledged the ‘biggest rebalance of power our country has ever seen’ as he prepares to enter Downing Street.

WHITEHALL

Where is fiscal devo going and what is the agenda for Core Cities?

By Paul Marinko | 25 June 2026

Since the chancellor announced plans for devolved income tax the question appears to have happily moved away from ‘if’ to ‘when’. The MJ, Impower and Core Ci...

Popular articles by Mark Conrad