Barnet and Harrow agree new five-year deal for HB Public Law

The London Boroughs of Barnet and Harrow have agreed to extend their shared legal service, HB Public Law, to deliver legal services to both councils for a further five years.

HB Public Law was set up in 2012 as a shared legal practice for the two authorities. The contract was due to expire next year, but has been renewed early following a unanimous vote by Barnet’s Policy and Resources Committee, and by Harrow’s Cabinet.

The local authorities said HB Public Law had enabled them to focus funds on front line services through reduced spend on external lawyers, managers, case management systems, law libraries and office space.

HB Public Law has grown significantly since its launch. Buckinghamshire County Council joined the practice on 1 July 2016, followed by the London Borough of Hounslow on 1 June 2015 and Aylesbury Vale District Council on 1 September 2015. It also delivers services to the West London Waste Authority.

The shared service now has 150 lawyers based in Harrow and Aylesbury. It also has a partnership with law firm Bevan Brittan, and was one of the first local authority legal practices to obtain an alternative business structure (ABS) licence.

Cllr Richard Cornelius, Leader of Barnet Council, said: “This innovative approach has brought real benefits to both councils, not only through the savings it has delivered but through shared expertise. The fact the business continues to grow in strength is proof that innovation in the public sector can reap rewards."

Sachin Shah, leader of Harrow Council, said: “I am very pleased that HB Public Law is proving the validity of the concept behind it.  It has delivered excellent legal services for Harrow Council, and Barnet councillors are evidently pleased with it too.  It’s an innovative arrangement that meets our needs.”

Jessica Farmer, Head of Legal Practice at HB Public Law, said: “We are delighted that Barnet and Harrow Councils are renewing their contract with us. The renewal proves the success of the model - offering specialist public sector legal expertise at cost effective rates.”