FOI002786 FOI Legal

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting the following information regarding the legal authority and statutory compliance of officers acting on behalf of the Council in current litigation matters (Ref: Case L00WC003 / AC-2025-LON-002219).
1.    Verification of Litigation Extensions: Does the Council’s Head of Legal Services (or equivalent), Anthony Lenaghan, hold an active "Litigation Extension" as authorised by the Bar Standards Board (BSB)? If so, please provide the date this extension was granted.
2.    Statutory Basis for Litigation: In the absence of a BSB Litigation Extension for an individual barrister employed by the Council, please specify under which statutory instrument or specific section of the Legal Services Act 2007 the Council authorises such an individual to:
•    Sign and file Acknowledgements of Service (Form N9);
•    Issue Applications for Transfer between court registries;
•    Conduct litigation in the County Court and High Court of Justice.
3.    Professional Indemnity and Risk: Has the Council's Monitoring Officer been informed of any instances where litigation has been conducted by a representative lacking the necessary BSB individual authorisation?