We are pleased to invite you to our COVID-19 webinar, where a number of key members of the team will be providing an update on current issues arising in relation to the pandemic and its effect on local authorities, arms-length bodies and government.

Avoiding legal challenge to procurement decisions taken during the COVID-19 crisis by Jason Coppell QC, 11KWB
The Government and the EU Commission have been keen to emphasise the flexibility of the procurement regulations in enabling quick and effective procurement during the crisis. But these assurances cannot be relied upon by contracting authorities in defence of legal claims. What should authorities do to help ensure that their procurement decisions can be defended, now and in the future?

Public decision making by Laura Hughes
Many public bodies are under intense pressure during the current crisis, needing to make crucial decisions at speed. To what extent can the normal public law requirements in respect of decision making be relaxed, and what are the risks of such an approach.

State aid and supporting businesses by Alex Kynoch
The government has implemented several support packages to protect businesses in the current crises, from direct financial support to encouraging softer support to contractors through procurement policy notes. Alex will highlight the key state aid issues for local authorities engaging with their contractors and local businesses.

Commercial and supply chain by Anthony Nagle
Anthony will talk about non-performance in contracts caused by force majeure events or frustration in connection with Coronavirus and he will also look at other practical approaches of dealing with the impact of this pandemic in supply chain contracts.

Please feel free to send in any questions you may have in advance.