Leading public law junior Steve Broach has joined 39 Essex Chambers with immediate effect.

The Coronavirus Act 2020, which contains a wide range of emergency measures as part of the government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, has been given Royal Assent.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has suspended all casework activity that demands information from, or action by, local authorities and care providers, in light of the current coronavirus outbreak.

The judiciary have published a protocol on the conduct of remote hearings in civil justice in England and Wales.

The European Commission has adopted new State aid exemptions to allow Governments to alleviate the economic impact of COVID-19. Jonathan Branton and Alexander Rose analyse the provisions.

Jonathan Auburn looks at the major challenges local authorities and schools face in continuing to deliver education to children with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, as directed by the government.

Paula Dumbill analyses the issues around force majeure provisions and the common law doctrine of frustration.

Richard Barlow looks at how public bodies might continue to maintain functioning democratic decision-taking at a time when large gatherings are discouraged and social isolation is recommended for public health.

Procurement schedules are at risk of delay as a result of coronavirus, but provisions under the Public Contract Regulations 2015 (the PCR) can help. Jennifer Grigg highlights a number of "safe harbours" for contracting authorities offered by the PCR.

Doug Mullen and Alice Kinder look at changes to the rules on Local Government Pension Scheme exit credits.

Can a one-off act qualify as a provision, criterion or practice for discrimination claims? Nadjia Zychowicz examines a recent Court of Appeal ruling.

An Advocate General’s opinion has provided guidance on the circumstances in which contracting authorities can co-operate with other contracting authorities without needing to procure the arrangement. Richard Moore, Rebecca Powell and David Stedman analyse the findings.