Simon joined Weightmans in February 2013 to head up the Local Government team. Formerly head of legal and democratic services at Cheshire West and Cheshire Council, Simon Goacher has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in local government law spanning almost two decades.
He has led on significant projects including an innovative housing stock transfer at Wirral Council and on the promotion of a private Act of Parliament. He was awarded the title of Local Government Young Solicitor of the year in 2006. As Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer at Wirral Council, Simon was the lead legal adviser for key projects including regeneration schemes in New Brighton and Birkenhead.
In 2009, he was appointed Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer of the newly created Cheshire West and Chester Council. This involved the creation of a single authority from four councils. Simon has been a member of the projects boards for a number of major projects including the creation of Council-owned companies, as well as significant outsourcing and regeneration projects.
Simon is a go to adviser for authorities on significant governance and vires issues throughout the country including carrying out independent reviews on sensitive and high profile issues.
He Is a leading practitioner on member conduct and has carried out a number of significant investigations on behalf of local authorities in to the behaviour of elected members.
Published articles
The High Court has found that the Secretary of State for Housing had acted lawfully in passing legislation to allow local government reorganisation…
The Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) Monitoring Officers’ Handbook, launched in March 2018, is an unique venture delivering targeted advice.
The effects of Brexit on social housing, and the public sector workforce, shared services and the environment, are broad and uncertain. What will…
Local authorities need to remain vigilant and ensure that they stay up-to-date with the details of any schemes being touted as suitable for care fee…
Local authority face complex challenges; modernising services in a difficult financial environment is hard.
Legal directory quote
Simon Goacher is held in particularly high regard for his "excellent knowledge of governance issues" and ability to advise on internal investigations arising in the local government sector. Chambers & Partners 2019