PLP is currently scrutinising the Coronavirus Bill, published on Thursday 19th March. PLP will also extend its SIFT project to include tracking of delegated legislation related to the virus. 

The stated purpose of the Bill is to provide Government with the legal measures necessary to respond to and manage the Covid19 pandemic.

Legislation of this nature is genuinely exceptional. It will introduce huge changes to the legal frameworks and rights that make up public law. The legislation will affect standards and duties for local authorities, the NHS, social services, education providers and law enforcement, and its impact will be felt across nearly all public authorities and public services.

If you work for a charity or in the legal and advice sector, understanding the nature and scope of these changes will be vital – the legislation may have a significant impact on how you support and assist people, including those who are marginalised through poverty, discrimination or disadvantage.

PLP will be publishing analysis soon. If there are any aspects of the Bill that are of particular interest to your organisation, please get in touch with Alexandra Sinclair at a.sinclair@publiclawproject.org.uk

Further information

  • Second Reading and all stages in the Commons is scheduled for Tuesday 24th March.
  • In the Lords, the Bill’s stages are expected to be taken on 25th March.
  • There are various dates then reserved in the Commons and Lords for ping pong if they are needed, with the intention that the Bill is completed by 30th March.  
  • Full text of the Corona Virus Bill
  • Explanatory notes