Articles

Charging and Trading: The Local Government Act 2003 - by Stephen Cirell and John Bennett, Eversheds

The issue of Charging and Trading has been of relevance to local authorities since the late 1980s. Although the law originally developed rather slowly, it entered an important new phase with the publication of Sections 93 to 98 of the Local Government Act 2003. That Act sought to create a statutory framework for trading for the first time. This note traces briefly the history of municipal trading from the 1980s to the present day, analyses and comments upon the provisions introduced in the Local Government Act 2003 and considers developments since the passing of that Act.

Stockport Council: Solutions SK - A Section 95 Trading Company Model - by Nic Cox, Managing Director of Solutions SK

On 1st November 2006, Stockport Direct Services, Stockport Council’s in-house direct service provider, became Solutions SK – a limited company wholly owned by Stockport Council. Over 1000 employees TUPE transferred into the company with the full support of the Council, employees and the trade unions. Two years later - the company is going from strength to strength. Solutions SK commenced trading with a turnover of £28 million and is now at £40 million, with an ambitious vision for the future.