Purpose

To delegate to the S151 Officer, in consultation with the leader, authority to spend funding from the Devolution and LGR reserve.

Decision

To spend up to £40,000 from the Devolution and LGR Reserve on legal advice and other fees associated with the recent LGR decision.

Reasons for the decision

The SNC administration opposes the LGR minded to decision issued on 25 March 2026, and wishes to obtain legal advice on whether this decision can be challenged.

There are time limits for any challenge to be made, and thus legal advice needs to be obtained swiftly.

Given this advice is specifically relating to the LGR decision, it is appropriate to charge this to the Devolution and LGR reserve.

Once legal advice is received Cabinet will then be asked to make a decision as to whether to proceed with formal legal action.

Alternative options considered

To not obtain legal advice  – This is contrary to the SNC administrations position, and would not allow the legal robustness of the minded to decision to be appropriately assessed.

To fund the legal advice from the normal legal services budgets. – This work is directly linked to LGR, and thus it is more appropriate to charge these costs to the Devolution and LGR reserve.