HM Insights

Life, business and the law

The law never stands still, and the way it applies to you and your organisation is constantly evolving. Our people are on top of these developments and can keep you up to date with some of the most interestings aspects of these changes. Check out our articles and updates for our perspective on issues that might affect you.

Latest Public sector articles

  • Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016: does the Act apply to your organisation?

    Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016: does the Act apply to your organisation?

    By Collette Miller

    On 12 March 2018, the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016 came into force. The Act was introduced with the intention of bringing greater openness and transparency around lobbying Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). Any organisations who are likely to have any face-to-face contact with MSPs, Members of the Scottish Government, junior Scottish Ministers, special advisers or the Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government should register with the Lobbying Register.

  • Public Procurement Thresholds set to increase in 2018

    Public Procurement Thresholds set to increase in 2018

    By Kelly Sleight

    The EU Directive on procurement in respect of the thresholds for awarding contracts has been amended. The current procurement financial thresholds - governing which contract opportunities must be advertised - are set to increase with effect from 1 January 2018.

  • When is a Homeowner not a Homeowner?

    When is a Homeowner not a Homeowner?

    By Collette Miller

    The first decision of the Upper Tribunal for Scotland, which hears appeals from the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) has provided useful guidance on the definition of a "homeowner" under the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011. The decision of Shields and Blackley -v- Housing and Property Chamber, applies a wide definition of homeowner to include those who no longer own the property in question.