Croydon Council has taken the unusual step of appointing a panel of chambers to advise and act directly for the council.

It is the first council to have created such a panel, which sees 39 Essex Street, Two Garden Court, 22 Old Buildings, Renaissance Chambers, 2-3 Grays Inn, 2 Mitre Court Buildings and 14 Grays Inn all appointed to handle child-care, mental health, property and general public law issues.