Local Authorities

Ashfords’ local authorities team works alongside you to deliver practical legal solutions that keep your projects running smoothly and delivered successfully.

From contracts and corporate governance to planning and public procurement, we handle the legal details so you can focus on delivering essential services and strategic projects.  

Whether you’re setting up joint ventures, procuring services, development or delivery partners, implementing  large regeneration schemes or tackling public law issues, we combine deep legal expertise with creative problem-solving and a collaborative approach. What’s more, our advice doesn’t just protect your interests – it strengthens your future position. 

What sets us apart is our “balance of legal strength and real-world insight”, according to Legal 500 2026.

Our experience spans housing, regeneration, infrastructure, governance and funding structures. For example, when a local authority owned housing delivery company sought to secure c.£38 million in loans from its parent authority, a London borough, we:

• structured the loans to comply with EU state aid rules
• aligned pricing and terms with market standards
• and put in place appropriate security and covenants reflecting commercial practice

This ensured regulatory compliance, fairness and reduced financial risk while supporting delivery of the authority’s housing objectives.

Hands-on service

To us, every client is important no matter the sector, public or private. Many of our lawyers have worked within local authorities, so we understand the unique pressures you face – tight budgets, public scrutiny, and the need for practical and cost effective solutions. We understand your needs, culture, processes, decision-making and unwritten rules without you having to explain, meaning we can step in and support you seamlessly. 

Our experienced planning team combines strong local relationships with national capability and specialist expertise. The lawyers you work with day-to-day remain closely involved throughout the life of your project, ensuring continuity, accountability and commercial awareness. 

Framework approved and easy to instruct

We’re proud to be approved on all major public sector frameworks, including the London Borough’s Legal Alliance (LBLA), Crown Commercial Services (CCS) – now operating as the Government Commercial Agency (GCA), and others. This means you can engage us quickly for both routine and complex work ,without running a full tender, either via a direct award or a one- or two-stage bid and we will guide you through every step of the process. 

Operating responsibly

Our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme underpins how we work with clients and communities and keeps us focused on making a meaningful  impact. We’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint – cutting our energy use, limiting single-use materials, and working towards net zero by 2040.

We recognise that our public sector clients have their own ESG and social value objectives, and we align our approach to support responsible, transparent and sustainable delivery.

To learn more about how we are building a more sustainable and responsible business, visit our Environment page.