Email Account Deactivation

I want to remind you that come May 9th, those choosing not to stand in the upcoming election will have their @eastgrinstead.gov.uk email addresses deactivated. Please note that come this date you will no longer be able to access your account under any circumstances. Therefore, any important emails that you wish to keep (bearing in mind our commitment to GDPR*) be saved in another location accessible to you.

For those standing in the upcoming election who were not re-elected, your email will also be deactivated by May 9th. I would recommend all review their inbox and save important emails to other accessible locations.

*GDPR – Emails sent to you on your @eastgrinstead.gov.uk and intended only when in the position of Cllr should not be saved privately. Please do not save any Emails containing personal information including personal email addresses and home addresses. For more information on what you can save, please see https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/contents/enacted.

Parish Update – Exceptional Highway Demand

(Sent by WSCC to all Parish/Town/District/Borough Councils)

As you will be aware, following the weather events we have experienced over the last year, we are now tackling a large number of issues on the network.

We continue to see exceptionally high numbers of customer reports, in March this was just under 8,000 enquires, this is double what we would normally expect at this time of the year and this trend continues.  In January the number of enquiries exceeded 11,000.

The impact on the Highways teams has been significant. The teams are incredibly busy and the volume of work is unrelenting. Current staff vacancies and the significant incidents on the network have also added pressure to the workload.

I would like to assure you we are doing all we can to manage the workload; officers are working over-time and we have successfully recruited new staff but they need support and training to become fully operational.

Our contractors’ gangs are also working twilight shifts and Saturdays to manage the increased number of jobs.  We are also looking to increase the number of gangs further but as I am sure you will appreciate; this is common to the entire south-east and nationally, sourcing additional  gangs at this time is very difficult.   We have deployed 3 Jet Patchers in the county, so this will help.

To enable the Highway Teams  to effectively deal with the volume of safety issues being reported, we have paused non-statutory  activities for a period of 4 weeks as we did in January. We have extended our response times to customers on general enquiries from 10 to 20 days.

On this basis, our responses to Parishes and Town Councils are likely to  take much longer.  Of course, if you have urgent issues then these can be escalated. We appreciate your support at this very busy time.

A summary of the temporary measures we have put in place is detailed below.

Temporary  measures ( from April 17^th  up to 12^th May)

• Extend SLA for customer responses – up to 20 days
• Pause non-essential licensing activities (e.g., residential Vehicle Crossovers, Standard Forms of Consent for activities like licensing banners or planters).
• Pause responses to general enquiries, including Community Highway Schemes

Planning Applications & Decisions

West Sussex County Council Newsletter

Government to send test emergency alert this Sunday

Everyone in the UK will receive a test on their mobile phone of a new Emergency Alerts system on Sunday (23 April).

The test Emergency Alert will be a loud, siren-like sound with a message sent to your mobile phone at 3pm.

The new system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone in the event of emergencies where there is a danger to life nearby, such as severe flooding.

Only central government and the emergency services will be able to send them.

You can opt out of receiving them if you are in a vulnerable situation.

Emergency alerts on your phone will not replace local news, radio, television or social media.

To find out more information about this new system, and the test, visit the government’s website on the link below.

The Coronation is almost here!

The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May with the Archbishop of Canterbury conducting the ceremony.

And with hundreds of events and volunteering opportunities currently listed on the official Coronation website, it looks like West Sussex is going to be celebrating in style!

You can browse through what’s on in your area by entering your address on the website.

Take a look at our Coronation webpages via the link below for lots more information about the long weekend of celebrations.

Tackling food waste

We are teaming up with Sussex-based food rescue charity UKHarvest and waste management company Biffa to run Community Food Hubs.

The Hubs are open to all residents and set out to tackle waste and provide education sessions to help residents learn how to reduce the amount of edible food which ends up in the bin.

With many facing cost-of-living pressures, Community Food Hubs encourage residents to take advantage of ‘surplus food rescue services’ in exchange for a small voluntary donation.

Last year’s pilot programme saw Community Food Hubs established in Bognor Regis, Crawley, and Southwick. Within six months, they prevented over seven tonnes of food going to waste and provided food to almost 3,000 people.

Building on this success, the programme has been extended to include seven community hubs, running once a month across every district and borough until April 2024.

Spring booster COVID-19 vaccination

COVID-19 is more serious in older people and those with certain underlying health conditions.

For these reasons, people aged 75 years and over (by 30 June 2023), those in care homes, and people aged five years and over with a weakened immune system, are being offered a spring booster of the COVID-19 vaccine.

To book your booster appointment you can either visit the NHS website, use the NHS app or call 119.

If you haven’t had the first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, book now to make sure you get both jabs before the offer ends for many people on 30 June.  You’ll need to wait several weeks between doses.

Free life-saving workshops

Our West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has launched a series of free Biker Down workshops, designed to help make the county’s roads safer.

Currently, nearly a quarter of all people killed and seriously injured on the road are riding a motorcycle – a stark figure as motorcycles only account for around 5% of vehicles on the road.

If you were first on the scene of an accident involving a biker, would you know what to do? If the answer is no, then our courses are for you.

Spring safety in the countryside

It’s the time of year when more of us get out and about and enjoy the countryside, so be aware of ticks.

Read tips on how to stay safe from ticks and more information about Lyme Disease, a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks.

Also be aware that contact with farm animals carries a risk of infection. Find more information on how to avoid becoming unwell when you visit a farm.

These three consultations below about possible road and travel improvements are closing very soon – so make sure you have your say:

• A259 Bognor Regis to Littlehampton Closes 23 April.
• Worthing Sustainable Transport Corridors  Closes 30 April.
• Chichester Sustainable Transport Corridors Closes 30 April.

We also want to hear your views on the flexible bus service 99 between Petworth and Chichester. This survey ends on 9 May.

We’re looking for views from the community on proposed details for amalgamating a junior school and an infant school in Worthing. It’s part of our work with schools in the area to address the issue of declining pupil numbers. Closing date 18 May.

More news

Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news. Below are some highlights:

• The A29 in Pulborough is now partially re-opened with all vehicular traffic permitted to travel in both directions along Church Hill, following a landslide.
• The Solar Together Sussex initiative is helping businesses in West Sussex to invest in renewable energy through a group buying scheme for solar panels, battery storage and Electric Vehicle (EV) charge points.
• Eleven new wholetime firefighters have been formally welcomed to West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service after completing their pass out parade.
• A total of 91% of those who applied to start primary school in West Sussex this September have been offered their first preference school, with over 98% offered one of their three preferences.
• You can ask questions at the next meeting of the West Sussex Health & Wellbeing Board. Questions can be asked in person or by submitting them prior to the meeting, which will take place on Thursday 27 April from 10.30am at County Hall in Chichester.

NALC Newsletter

Mill View Request

Mill View are holding a Stall at the Lions May Fair on the 1^st May and we will be holding a raffle all proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s society and a children’s charity

We are kindly asking for donations please.

Our plan is to have 2 Hampers one for adults and one for Children.

If you are able to help support us, please do let me know

Planning Application & Decisions

Queen’s Green Canopy West Sussex

Surveying Ash Trees for Ash Dieback

Record number of officers join Sussex Police

(Sent by Katy Bourne OBE to all major stakeholders)

Universal Credit – How we can support your Business!

(Sent by the EG Business Association)

The Coronation

You will be pleased to know that we have around 17 community groups, totalling over 200 people in the parade!

Starting at East Court at (approx.) 9am, there will be a ‘Monarchy through the Ages’ fancy dress walking parade lead by the Town Mayor which will process via College Lane, along the High Street and down London Road, over the footbridge and into King George’s Field.  Please come along, wave a flag, and give them a cheer. Some groups will be fundraising for their charities.

Once in King George’s Field, the ceremony will be broadcast via a big screen for all to watch together.  Bring a picnic or buy from one of our food vendors. There will be face painting and other free entertainment for the children including bouncy castle, mini golf, garden games, bungee run and kids colouring sponsored by Step by Step School.

After the ceremony, there will be best in category fancy dress prizes for crowd and parade participants, and best in category prizes in our ‘Right Royal Dog Show’.

Join us in celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III and welcoming in a new Carolean era.

As soon as we have confirmed timings our souvenir programme will be on sale at the library and at the May Fair.

Please email Alice Fletcher if you are able to help VOLUNTEER for any length of time during the day. This event cannot happen without volunteer support and we need to know in advance if you can help so we add you to the schedule. There will be tasks from coordinating the parade participants, road marshalling and putting up bunting in the field. So far I have only heard from 2 Councillors and 3 members of staff. All volunteers will receive a commemorative pin badge as a thank you.

Bin collection days stay eggs-actly the same over Easter

Mid Sussex District Council is reminding residents that rubbish and recycling collections remain the same throughout the Easter holiday period.

Over Easter – Good Friday 7 April to the Bank Holiday on Easter Monday 10 April – rubbish and recycling collection days remain unchanged. If the usual collection day is a Friday or Monday, it will remain on Friday or Monday. The Council’s optional garden waste collection service also remains unchanged.

Mid Sussex District Council keeps the service consistent as much as possible. This enables residents to plan for the service with minimal inconvenience.

Residents are asked to ensure that bins are at the edge of properties at the point nearest the highway by 7am on the day of collection. Bin lids should be closed fully to enable safe collection.
For more information, please call 01444 477440, email wastematters@midsussex.gov.uk or visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/waste-recycling.

Refurbishment of pedestrian crossing

Planning applications and decisions

NALC: Chief executive’s bulletin

6 April 2023
Emergency alert system and test on 23 April 

The Cabinet Office has launched a new system that will give the Government and emergency services the capability to send an alert directly to mobile phones when there is a risk to life. A UK-wide alerts test will take place at 15.00 on Sunday 23 April which will see people receive a test message on their mobile phones. The Emergency Alerts system will allow the government to get urgent messages quickly to nearly 90 per cent of mobile phones in a defined area. The system is now ready to be tested across the country following successful tests in East Suffolk and Reading. The alerts will only ever come from the Government or emergency services, and they will issue a warning, the details of the area impacted, and instructions about how best to respond. The Government has produced a toolkit to help councils communicate key messages as part of the Emergency Alerts campaign. This includes some key messages for motorists which may be useful, particularly given some concerns raised in the media by motoring organisations this week. An FAQ document has also been created. Although the Government is strongly recommending that people do not opt out of the service, there are concerns about vulnerable groups and especially those experiencing domestic abuse. There is information on how to opt out in the FAQs, and Refuge has produced a video on how to do this.

Pre-election period guidance reminder 

For those councils with elections this May, the pre-election period, previously known as ‘purdah’, has commenced. This is a period when councils have some restrictions placed on them in relation to their activities and communications. The Local Government Association produces pre-election period guidance that I would encourage all councils to read.

On the blog: ten top tips to improve communications in 2023 

As local councils are the closest level of government to their communities, it is essential councils communicate effectively and strategically. With the increasing reliance on technology and social media, coupled with the fact that councils are providing more services than ever, effective communication is essential in supporting effective governance. On the NALC blog this week, Daniel Purchese from NALC’s partners Breakthrough Communications shares ten top tips to help local councils improve communication with their communities over the coming year, do check it out.

Fortnightly meeting with county officers 

At this week’s meeting between county associations and NALC, there was a briefing from NALC’s HR partner Worknest. We discussed the updated version of the Good Councillor’s Guide to Being a Good Employer which is currently in its final stages of being updated. This guide will cover both legislation and good practice. We also covered performance management including regular supervision and managing concerns, and a range of other general HR queries.

Survey on councillors with non-visible disabilities 

The clerk to Pucklechurch Parish Council is conducting a survey on councillors with non-visible disabilities as part of a dissertation for the Community Engagement and Governance course. This research is of obvious interest to us given the link to our Make a Change campaign which aims to encourage more people to become councillors and increase diversity. The dissertation is titled ‘Diverse voices? Are local councils in England and Wales attracting councillors with non-visible disabilities?’, and if you have a few spare minutes please complete the survey here. The survey is split for respondents who are clerks/officers and councillors, but collects the same data just from the two different perspectives.

Last few places for NALC study visit 2023 

There are still a few places available on the NALC study visit 2023 to Newport Pagnell Town Council on 27/28 June 2023. On this study tour, you will learn more about the council’s devolved leisure services, how it manages its broader portfolio, and its challenges. You will also get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Newport Pagnell Town Council, meet councillors and officers, and visit essential sites. You can see the full itinerary and book a place by clicking on the event page on the NALC website.

NALC National Assembly 

NALC’s National Assembly, which comprises councillor representatives from each of the 43 county associations, held its latest meeting online this week. Ahead of the draft minutes being available, here are a few highlights:

• Councillors welcomed the special additional meeting held in January which was convened to discuss the King’s Coronation and noted that since then NALC had secured clarification on a range of issues and questions raised, these were being shared more widely through the creation of a dedicated Coronation webpage.
• National Assembly received an update on the sale of NALC’s office building at 109 Great Russell Street in London and the move to alternative office space, both of which had been reported to the Management Board and Finance and Scrutiny Committee. Following an extensive discussion, it was agreed that a draft plan setting out how the realised proceeds of the sale would be used and invested and our future accommodation strategy, be further considered.
• A series of break out groups discussed how to get more people involved in the work of county associations and NALC and a more detailed summary will be available shortly.
• Other items included an update from committee chairs on their work over the last quarter (which we also report regularly including through this bulletin and the minutes of committee meetings) and an agreement for the meeting in July to be in person and the December meeting to be moved to 29 November to be on the same day as NALC’s parliamentary reception which will incorporate the presentation of the NALC Star Council Awards 2023.

And finally… 

It’s a shorter week as we can all enjoy a long Easter weekend. Fingers crossed the April showers will pass and we have a few days of Spring-like weather. Happy Easter to everyone! Ramadan Mubarak to everyone welcoming in the month of Ramadan. And Passover also began this week, Chag Pesach Sameach to everyone in the Jewish community.

Copthorne Road Closure

Free English Classes – New addition!

Airspace change masterplan: scoping the environmental assessments

Responses, if any, to be with the consultation group by 1^st May to allow for preparation and submission.

Consultation group is Cllrs Woodgate, Mrs Farren, Visser and Mrs Mockford

(Sent to all major stakeholders by the UK Civil Aviation Authority)

To ensure that environmental impact considerations are integrated into the development of the airspace change masterplan, the CAA must ensure that the masterplan is subject to a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and a Habitats Regulations assessment (HRA). These assessments are a legal requirement.

The first stage of each of these assessments is to decide what they must cover, including the approach we propose to use. You can give us your views via our consultation on our dedicated webpage. The consultation closes on 8 May 2023.

The masterplan is being developed by the Airspace Change Organising Group to coordinate airspace changes that will upgrade and modernise UK airspace at a system level.

Once we have decided what each assessment will cover, work will begin on the actual environmental assessments for both SEA and HRA as the masterplan is developed. We will consult on those assessments later.

If you have any questions please email us at airspace.modernisation@caa.co.uk.

Airspace Modernisation
UK Civil Aviation Authority

West Sussex County Council Newsletter

‘Egg-perience’ West Sussex this Easter!

Check out Experience West Sussex which is full of exciting things to see and do over the Easter holidays.

Join Ludo the Lamb’s Easter Race or get a wriggle on with the Superworm Trail, hunt for chocolate eggs or try some spring crafts.

Soak up the spectacle of historic re-enactments, chill with an outdoor yoga session in the countryside, take a vineyard tour or test your nerve in an Escape Room and much much more!

How to contact us over the Easter break

We are here if you need to get in touch with us over the Easter Bank Holiday.

On the link below you’ll also find details of our online services, including reporting a problem with a road or pavement if you spot something on your travels, and renewing library books.

Cut the cost of composting with this special offer

Take advantage of our special offer and buy a subsidised compost bin this spring.

Composting has lots of benefits, and simply involves recycling your fruit and veg peelings, along with any other organic materials like grass cuttings, unwanted plants, tea bags, coffee grounds and egg shells.

Together, these will naturally decompose over time to produce a ready-made mixture rich in nutrients to feed your soil and nourish your garden.

It’s a great way to minimise waste collected from your household, and a simple way to help the environment and give your garden a natural boost.

Read more about composting on our waste prevention page.

Fun times in our libraries

There are some exciting storytime and craft activities for children taking place in selected libraries during the Easter school holidays.

These ‘Go Wild in the Library’ special events are free to attend but places are limited and must be pre-booked.

Clear the clutter

If you are planning a spring clean this Easter then check out the opening days and times of your local Recycling Centre on the link below.

You can also find details of the booking system, and a full list of what items you can bring to our centres, if you can’t repurpose or donate them to a charity.

Stay safe in the countryside this Easter

Visiting farms can be great fun but contact with farm animals carries a risk of catching infections from some of the bugs they naturally carry.

You can reduce this risk by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with animals, and especially before eating and drinking.

If you or anyone in your group is sick or has diarrhoea within two weeks of visiting a farm contact your GP or call NHS 111 as soon as possible.

NALC Newsletter

SCRP Annual Review 2022

Planning Applications

NALC Events

GATCOM News Bulletin

Chief executive’s bulletin

24 March 2023
Launch of The Big Help Out 

The Big Help Out is happening on the 8 May and is an initiative to celebrate and promote volunteering around the Coronation and well into the future. NALC’s chair, Cllr Keith Stevens, attended the campaign’s launch on 20 May as local government has a huge part to play both in terms of engaging with voluntary and community organisations but also in terms of opening up voluntary opportunities in and with councils. NALC is working with Neighbourly Lab, a non-profit organisation which is partnering with the Big Help Out, to support councils to get involved and be ready for the local government launch date on the 24 April. Help is available from Neighbourly Lab, such as sharing ideas for how you can get involved, supporting you to develop volunteering opportunities, and providing communication materials for councils to share locally. Neighbourly Lab is also keen to have one on one conversations with councils to find out what you’re doing and what further support would help you. They will be hosting bi-weekly coffee morning drop-in sessions starting from the 30 March for you to meet other councils and chat through plans. If you’d like to share any of your current goals for the Big Help Out, please email emma@neighbourlylab.com. To find out more about the Big Help Out including signing up and accessing support, please visit www.neighbourlylab.com/.

2023 edition of Practitioners Guide published 

This week, we published the Joint Panel on Accountability and Governance (JPAG) 2023 edition of the Practitioners’ Guide. The 2023 edition of the guide has minor updates and applies to Annual Governance and Accountability Returns regarding financial years commencing on or after 1 April 2023.

Meetings of NALC’s Management Board and Finance and Scrutiny Committee 

The main focus of meetings of the Management Board and indeed the Finance and Scrutiny Committee this week has been the current sale of the NALC office, here are a few highlights:

• The sale of 109 Great Russell Street in London and work to secure alternative accommodation whilst we review our future needs are proceeding well and councillors have agreed to conduct a major review of NALC’s budget in the light of these significant developments.
• The Board agreed to look at progress on the review of NALC’s governance at a special meeting likely to take place in July.
• Councillors supported proposals to further develop the financial advice and support which we provide to county associations and councils and more details will be available shortly.
• Plans for NALC’s presence at the Local Government Association’s annual conference in Bournemouth in July were noted, this will comprise a stand in the exhibition, a fringe event, a session in the Innovation Zone.

• Baroness Scott of Needham Market and our officers were thanked for their ongoing work making the case for changes to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to address sector concerns on issues such as remote meetings and standards.
• It was noted that the Committee’s chair, Cllr Graham Ford, was no longer the Cornwall Association of Local Councils representative on National Assembly and thanked him for his work over many years, agreeing that Cllr Peter Davey, vice chair (finance) would act as chair pending a future appointment.
• The Committee also noted updated risk register and received a report on the latest financial position and cash flow which was broadly in line with budget, although some one-off costs associated with the sale of the NALC office will need to be addressed from the proceeds.

On the blog: Utility Aid 

This week’s blog comes from our partner, Utility Aid. They write about the new government Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which runs from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 and replaces the previous Energy Bills Relief Scheme.

Fortnightly meeting with county officers 

At this week’s regular meeting with county officers, we were delighted to be joined by Daniel Purchese from Breakthrough Communications, NALC’s partner on council communications and engagement, as well as data protection and Freedom of Information (FOI). Daniel provided county officers with information and advice on data sharing agreements and other matters related to FOI requests. We also gave several updates including on our work engaging with the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, recent changes at Smaller Audit Appointments Limited and progress on our office move.

Updated advice and guidance 

I am pleased to let you know about several updated documents which are available to county associations and member councils. The briefing on VAT on sports facilities, produced by the Parkinson Partnership LLP, has been updated in light of new guidance from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. The Template Annual Leave Policy has been updated to reflect the additional annual leave day for staff employed on National Joint Council conditions. We have also updated Legal Topic Note (LTN) 31 on local council general powers because of legislative changes in Wales. LTN 31 will now be England only advice and be known as LTN 31E. All these documents can be found in the members area of the NALC website.

Member benefits information 

In recent months NALC has launched two new services for county associations and local councils. A new HR advisory service, in partnership with WorkNest, gives county associations access to a team of employment specialists to assist in giving advice to councils. And our e-learning offer is now available to all councils with a new range of courses developed through the Civility and Respect Project. To reflect these changes our benefits of membership information has been updated to highlight the increased range of benefits available.

Out and abouts 

In addition to spending time at the NALC office preparing for our move out of 109 Great Russell Street, several colleagues have also been out and about this week, here’s a summary:

• Last weekend, our member services manager, Anders Hanson, attended the Liberal Democrat Party Spring Conference, the party’s first in-person conference in three years. This was an opportunity to meet and build relations with councillors from local councils and principal councils. Anders also met with parliamentarians engaged the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill and MPs representing areas with local councils.
• And to end this week, Anders has spent the last few days in Morecambe as part of the town council’s corporate peer challenge. This is a joint project with the Local Government Association and the panel also included an experienced clerk and councillor from Falmouth Town Council and Frome Town Council respectively.

• Charlotte Eisenhart, head of member services, attended an online meeting of the Internal Audit Forum (IAF) on 21 March. It was the first time NALC was able to join the Forum since the launch of our partnership and Charlotte gave an update on the Joint Panel on Accountability and Governance and the changes to the 2023 edition of the Practitioners Guide.
• On 21 March, Fflur Jones, campaigns intern, paid a visit to Flitwick Town Council who were a finalist in last year’s NALC Star Council Awards. I’m grateful to the town council for their warm welcome and hospitality and for sharing throughout the day some of their exciting projects from tackling the cost of living through their community fridge, and their Proud Ampthill and Flitwick project celebrating the town’s LGBT+ community. The visit ended with a tour of their new Youth Hub which organises a range of activities for young people as well as providing them with a safe space to hang out after school. You can find out more about the town council’s projects on their website.

NALC Policy Committee agenda papers 

The agenda papers for next week’s meeting of NALC’s Policy Committee on 28 March are now available. The committee will be considering two motions from the Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils on the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the Transparency Code for smaller authorities. Other items on the agenda the final Local Government Finance Settlement 2023/24, our campaign for direct access to grant funding from the government, councillor training, establishing a policy on local council amenities, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill and the recent survey of clerks by the Society of Local Council Clerks.

And finally… 

As I mentioned in my summary of the meetings of the Management Board and Finance and Scrutiny Committee, NALC is on the move! From 31 March, we are moving out of our office at 109 Great Russell Street in London. We are in the process of finalising arrangements for alternative accommodation which will take effect from 1 May 2023. I will of course provide a further update when this has been confirmed. In the meantime, post sent to NALC’s current address will still be managed, there is no change to our email addresses or telephone numbers, and there will be no impact on the delivery of our services and support to county associations and local councils.

Email Account Deactivation

I want to remind you that come May 9th, those choosing not to stand in the upcoming election will have their @eastgrinstead.gov.uk email addresses deactivated. Please note that come this date you will no longer be able to access your account under any circumstances. Therefore, any important emails that you wish to keep (bearing in mind our commitment to GDPR*) be saved in another location accessible to you.

For those standing in the upcoming election who were not re-elected, your email will also be deactivated by May 9th. I would recommend all review their inbox and save important emails to other accessible locations.

*GDPR – Emails sent to you on your @eastgrinstead.gov.uk and intended only when in the position of Cllr should not be saved privately. Please do not save any Emails containing personal information including personal email addresses and home addresses. For more information on what you can save, please see https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/contents/enacted.

Planning Applications 24/03/23

Have your say on South East Water’s strategic priorities for the next 25 years

South East Water are consulting on their 25 year plan,  if anyone has any comments to feed in to a response please send them to the Clerk or the consultation group members (Jason, Helen, Julie or Frazer) before 1^st April as there is only a three week turn around.

(Sent by South East Water to all major stakeholders)

Have your say:

You can read our draft Strategic Direction Statement and complete our survey by visiting our dedicated engagement hub.

You can submit your views up to 23:59 on Monday 10 April.

About the SDS:

Through creating this draft SDS we’ve spoken to a wide range of customers and stakeholders, as well as reviewed existing research.

The draft statement is built upon seven key priorities:

• Provide top quality drinking water and an efficient service, support its customers and deliver greater value to society
• Manage and steward its assets, invest and innovate to ensure its water supply system is resilient to future challenges
• Protect and enhance the environment and biodiversity
• Reduce its carbon footprint, adapt to the impact of climate change and be a truly sustainable business
• Secure the future of water by protecting freshwater resources and developing new sustainable sources
• Secure the future of water by halving leakage and helping reduce the demand for water
• Be ready for the future through technology, innovation and investing in people

Council elections called for 4 May 2023

West Sussex County Council Newsletter

MSVA E-Bulletin

Please see the link attached to view the new MSVA E-Bulletin – Newsletter March 14

Annual Town Meeting

Agenda Found Below

Purdah Commences Next Week

The pre-election period, previously known as ‘purdah’, describes the period of time immediately before elections or referendums when specific restrictions on communications activity are in place. The term ‘heightened sensitivity’ is also used.

About the guidance

This guidance provides advice on the publicity restrictions that should be observed during the pre-election period. It should be read in conjunction with any guidance produced by your own returning officer or monitoring officer, which provides specific advice depending on your local circumstances.

It is important to note that pre-election rules restrict activity wider than just publicity. Use of council facilities and resources; the member’s code of conduct, developing new policies and holding of events – including some meetings – featuring elected officials should all be carefully considered during a period of heightened sensitivity.

A short guide to publicity during the pre-election period

Opportunity to provide feedback on Early Help Strategy

We are pleased to be able to share with you the draft Early Help Strategy and would like to hear your thoughts.

Below is the link to the Engagement Hub page where you can view the draft and where a survey has been created with up to 11 questions to help you share your views.

This opportunity to provide feedback will end on Thursday 30^th March after which we will study the responses and determine what people like about the Strategy draft; what people feel is missing; and what format or formats people would like to see the Strategy presented in. If any Cllr wishes to make a response on behalf of the council please send your comments to the Clerk no later than 28^th to allow it to be collated and approved by the consultation group.

https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/early-help-strategy

Planning Application & Decisions

By-election called for East Grinstead Meridian Electoral Division

A by-election has been called by West Sussex County Council following the resignation of Liz Bennett as County Councillor for the East Grinstead Meridian Electoral Division.

The by-election will be held on Thursday, 4^th May 2023 with candidates announced on Wednesday, 5^th April 2023.

People are reminded that due to new rules, photo ID is now required when voting at polling stations in local elections. More details can be found here: Voter ID | Electoral Commission

​

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email pressoffice@westsussex.gov.uk.

For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.

Mid Sussex Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan

(Transport for the South East newsletter sent to all major stakeholders)

NALC’s Newsletter

Council funding for Coronation celebrations

Mid Sussex District Council is making £20,000 available to local community groups and voluntary organisations to help Mid Sussex residents celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

People across the country and the Commonwealth will celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort over a weekend of special events on 6-8 May.

The extended Bank Holiday provides an opportunity for communities to come together to mark the historic event and Mid Sussex District Council has created a special grant fund of £20,000 to support and facilitate community parties and events within the district.

The funding will help non-profit making community and voluntary organisations with the cost of celebrations on The King’s Coronation Weekend. The Council is promoting the fund through the Voluntary Sector Network and organisations can apply online on the Council’s dedicated Coronation page www.midsussex.gov.uk/the-coronation/

The deadline to apply for this one-off grant is 5pm on 31 March 2023.

Councillor Norman Webster, Cabinet Member for Community said:

“The coronation of a new monarch is a significant moment in our history and many people in the UK and across the Commonwealth will be keen to celebrate.

“We’re supporting people in Mid Sussex by providing one-off grants to help local people get community events up and running.

“Street parties are always a popular way to celebrate but His Majesty The King is also inviting neighbours and communities to share food and fun together as part of The Coronation Big Lunch on Sunday 7 May.

“The Coronation will be a wonderful time to celebrate with friends, family and neighbours but it also provides an opportunity to give something back to the community. The Big Help Out on Monday 8 May encourages people to try volunteering and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas on Monday 8 May.

“Whatever you choose to do, we are here to support you, especially if your event demonstrates a clear benefit to the local community. If you’d like to apply for support, please do so as soon as possible because applications close at the end of this month.”

For more information about the Coronation Community grant fund please email culture@midsussex.gov.uk

ENDS

Unseen Deadly Danger

West Sussex Trading Standards are reminding residents to be careful when buying electrical products online. The safety warning comes after a person suffered a serious electric shock from the metal casing of a device bought on Amazon.

The device, a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch, was supplied with a standard three-pin cable, commonly referred to as a ‘kettle lead’. A sample lead was found to have the earth wire connected to the live pin, meaning the metal casing of the PoE device became live when plugged in.

“The danger of this power lead was hidden inside a moulded plug, and it was inevitable the user would receive an electric shock,” said Peter Aston, Trading Standards Team Manager. “It’s only as a result of luck the reported accident didn’t result in a fatality; although the resident is suffering long term nerve pain and remains under medical investigation.”

The power lead was also fitted with an unsafe fuse which could have resulted in injury or fire. Trading Standards Officers took immediate steps to ensure these items were removed from sale and a product recall was undertaken.

Investigations found that the seller was based in China. “Our advice for anyone purchasing electrical products or power leads is to buy them from a reputable business in the UK”, said Peter Aston. “Exercise care when buying something online that appears to be a particular bargain.”

Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “The dangerous nature of this product is thankfully not something our Trading Standards Officers come across often, but the unseen deadly risk it posed is of great concern.”

If you live in West Sussex and have bought an unsafe electrical product, you can let Trading Standards know by calling Citizens’ Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or by going online to. www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport

Notes to Editors

Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems allow electricity to pass along Ethernet cabling. A single cable can therefore provide both a data connection and a small electrical supply, sufficient to power and operate a number of CCTV cameras or similar devices.

Recall details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-nicgiga-11-port-gigabit-poe-switch-2301-0164

ENDS

Chief executive’s bulletin

New NALC cost-of-living support webpage
Our new cost-of-living support webpage was launched this week to help local (parish and town) councils support their communities through the cost-of-living crisis. The webpage provides valuable resources, practical advice, and examples of local councils demonstrating good practices to support their community.

Localis essay collection on local government finance
Ahead of the forthcoming March Budget, the think tank Localis has asked some of the major players from the local government family, experts, and academics, to set out their thoughts, views and hopes for local government finance in the next political cycle. I’m delighted to be among the contributors to Moving through the gears, an essay collection covering perspectives on what the future could, should and might be for local government finance. In my essay, I talk about how local councils are often overlooked when it comes to local government finance, how they are changing and doing more and are an increasingly important cog in the council finance wheel, and what 2030 could look like through the lens of the fictitious Flowers on the River Community Council. Do check it out.

DCMS Coronation website
The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) recently launched a Coronation website which includes information for getting involved, a toolkit including templates and a Coronation playlist, and a form for submitting events. DCMS will upload social media materials to the Coronation website from 6 March 2023. The toolkit page currently has links to the Coronation Emblem guidelines, recipes, and a playlist, but it will have more from the beginning of March, including any official images. You can find all this information on NALC’s dedicated Coronation webpage.

On the blog: BHIB Councils Insurance on Coronation events
Staying on the King’s Coronation theme, this week’s blog is written by Lee Cleaver from NALC’s partner BHIB Councils Insurance. With King Charles III’s Coronation coming up on 6 May 2023, he explains the importance of conducting risk assessments in your local council to ensure Coronation events are planned and conducted safely. Check it out and let us know what you are doing to celebrate the historic occasion of the King’s Coronation at policycomms@nalc.gov.uk.

Top 10 communications tips for local councils
NALC’s communications and community engagement partners, Breakthrough Communications, have published their top 10 tips for local (parish and town) council communications in 2023. Discover strategies and tactics to make your council’s communications more effective over the coming year!

NALC National Network: Young councillors
Are you a young councillor? Do you want to connect with other young councillors from across the country? Would you find mutual support from other young councillors helpful? Are you keen on sharing learning and good practice? Interested in getting involved in NALC’s work and campaigns? Then NALC’s National Network: Young councillors is for you! You can join the network here and the next meeting is on 8 March, with the agenda including councillor training and an open forum.

And finally…
Today we are holding Standards Matter, our first in-person event since October 2019, on the important standards theme. I know that all the councils, county associations, NALC partners, speakers, and exhibitors joining us in London have been looking forward to returning together after all this time! A quick early thanks to everyone who joined us, plus our event sponsors BHIB Councils Insurance, Blachere Illumination and CCLA, for helping make it happen – I’ll provide a further update in my bulletin next week, so do look out for that!

Council includes significant investments in 2023/24 budget

Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) approved its Corporate Plan and Budget for 2023/24 at a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday 1 March 2023.

The current high levels of inflation present considerable financial challenges for the public sector, just as they do for private businesses and household budgets. Mid Sussex District Council has worked hard to maintain financial stability and attract investment into the District; a prudent financial approach that has helped to protect frontline services, fund ambitious new projects and maintain one of the lowest levels of Council Tax in Sussex.

Each year the Council sets out how it will deliver its services and use its financial resources over the next 12 months. The plan is created in line with the Council’s key priorities; to provide effective and responsive services, create sustainable economic growth, deliver strong and resilient communities, and maintain financial independence.

In 2023/24 Mid Sussex District Council will continue to progress several key investment projects including, improvements in four major parks and play areas, the delivery of more temporary housing and construction of a new Centre for Outdoor Sports to the west of Burgess Hill.

The Council will invest in the expansion of its kerbside garden waste collections subscription service, enabling more people to conveniently recycle their green waste. There is currently a waiting list for the popular service and investment would enable an additional 7,500 residents to benefit from fortnightly garden waste collections. The capacity of the bulky waste service will also be increased, helping to tackle fly-tipping.

The budget includes increases to some fees and charges to help offset the rising cost of providing Council services. Council Tax will increase by 2.75%, which is £4.95 for an average Band D property, but which is a lower increase than permitted by the Government’s cap.

Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said:

“The past few years have been extremely tough financially, with first the Covid-19 pandemic and now the inflationary shock having a significant impact on all organisations, not just local Government.

“Our council has spent millions of pounds since 2020 to keep our key services going, particularly our much-valued leisure centres. However, now is a time we can be positive about the future because, through careful decision making and sound financial management, this is the first budget post covid where we’re not having to draw on reserves to support our day-to-day work.

“We are delivering a budget where Council Tax rises by less than the Government’s cap, that includes additional support for people on low incomes and continues to invest in our local services.

“This year we’re investing in our waste and recycling service by increasing the number our bulky and garden waste collections we provide for our residents. We are also helping people who fall on hard times to get back on their feet through our homelessness prevention work and by building new temporary accommodation at Swan Mead in East Grinstead.

“Work to build our new Centre for Outdoor Sport in Burgess Hill is due to start later this year. It represents the biggest investment in outdoor sports for a generation and will deliver modern community sports facilities for the whole community to enjoy.

“Finally, we will be working to improve our flagship parks across the district. These beautiful open spaces in the heart of our communities mean so much to local people and we are investing in their future to ensure they remain a wonderful place for our residents to visit.

“I’m delighted that the budget was unanimously approved by Councillors on a cross-party basis.”

ENDS

East Grinstead Choral Society

Big Town Clean Up

Details of the Big Town Clean Up organised by East Grinstead Town Action Group are below:

GATCOM News Bulletin

Planning applications and decisions

East Grinstead Town Council’s Local Election!

Council awards £160,000 for local community projects

(PR 2492 produced by Mid Sussex District Council) 

Mid Sussex District Council has awarded almost £160,000 in Section 106 developer contributions and Council grant funding to support valuable community projects in the area.

The Cabinet Grants Panel met on 20 February 2023 to discuss the Council’s latest round of grant funding allocations and agreed to issue a total of £159,000 to 9 community organisations. The funding awards will be formally confirmed on 2 March following a 10 day ‘call-in’ period.

Clarion Futures, a charitable foundation established by the Clarion Housing Group has been awarded £52,500 to help the Quarry Café and Community Fridge in East Grinstead to create an attractive outdoor seating area for people visiting the café or using the recently upgraded playground alongside.

The Quarry Café supports the local community by collecting surplus food and creating meals for those who need a helping hand. The new outdoor seating area will create additional space, providing an attractive area for residents to meet and enjoy quality food and drink at affordable prices. The pathways will be improved, with two drop down kerbs and a ramp, increasing accessibility to and around the community café.

Haywards Heath Town Football Club received £12,239 towards the development of an indoor café and education room at Hanbury Stadium. The club’s Pilgrim Hut is currently only suitable for storage, but the Board has ambitious plans for renovation that would include the installation of a new kitchen and outdoor patio area. The refurbished hut will provide improved catering facilities playing staff and supporters, a place for players to rest and recover away from the clubhouse and a secure classroom for educational activities.

Worth Parish Council was awarded £65,509 towards the installation of CCTV cameras in the villages of Copthorne and Crawley Down. The cameras will be monitored by Sussex Police as part of a CCTV Partnership, helping to deter anti-social behaviour and petty crime.

The funding awards to Clarion Futures, Haywards Heath Town Football Club and Worth Parish Council are all funded by Section 106 contributions, financial payments made by developers towards the improvement of local infrastructure.

Mid Sussex District Council demonstrated support for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine by granting £17,752 to three local organisations that are working to help them settle in the area. All Saints Lindfield received £8,660 to set up a new drop-in service at The Yews, Haywards Heath. Being Neighbourly in East Grinstead received £3,543 towards the establishment of a support group and updating their website to include a page for Ukrainian refugees. In Burgess Hill and the surrounding areas, HUGS 4 Ukraine received £4,900 towards creating a website, supporting drop-in sessions and delivering celebratory events.

The Council also allocated £5,000 towards the installation of 28 solar panels on the roof of 1^st Hurstpierpoint Scout Group headquarters, £5,000 towards upgrading the kitchen and outdoor seating at Balcombe Cricket Club and £1,000 to help local charity Befriended set up a new community choir.

Councillor Norman Webster, Mid Sussex Cabinet Member for Community said:

“We’re really lucky to have so many people in Mid Sussex who are willing to give up their time to support their local community and who work so hard to make our District such a wonderful place to live.

“Charities and voluntary groups are working on some fantastic projects and I’m delighted that we’re able to support so many with grant funding. Each project is going to make a real difference to the lives of local people by encouraging participation in sport, preventing crime, improving sustainability, and helping those in need.”

For more information contact the Mid Sussex District Council Community Services Team on 01444 477495 or email Regina.Choudhury@midsussex.gov.uk.

NABMA Markets Survey Summary 02/03/23

NABMA has recently published its latest National Survey of the Markets Industry revealing that there are major challenges for the UK industry in the future. The Survey may be of interest to your members recognising the huge interest in markets from local councils, as evident in our membership. Please feel free to circulate the Survey.

The Survey and headlines can be read

The number of Markets across the country remains about the same over the last fifteen years at around 1150, with some Markets still performing very successfully but the overall picture is less attractive. Stall occupancy is down from any average of 77% in 2018 to 72% in 2022 and that figure needs to be considered with caution as there is evidence of a substantial reduction in stalls since 2018 meaning there are substantially fewer traders operating on Markets.

Trader numbers have reduced and The Survey has reveals that only 8% of traders are under 40 suggesting that within a short time we could see a disappearance of many older and very experienced traders. Local authorities dominate markets management with around 84% of Markets being operated under the auspices of local authorities that includes a significant number of parish, town and community councils.

It is of great concern that only 40% of Markets are currently showing a surplus on their trading account which again represents a significant decline from the picture revealed in the last Survey in 2018.

Markets are recognised as a major force for High Street regeneration and one of the more welcoming results from the Survey is that 25 Markets are announcing major redevelopment/ refurbishment plans with the assistance of £127m of government and local authority funding. This indicates confidence in Markets but in order to secure the successful implementation of the various funded projects , and the future of the markets industry, NABMA recognises the need to address the challenges issues highlighted in the 2022 Survey.

Planning Applications & Decisions

GATCOM News Bulletin

The CAP consultation (Airspace) has been extended to 19^th March.  If anyone has any comments the Town Clerk will need them by next week at the latest.

EGBA’s Networking Event

MSVA E-Bulletin,  24 February 2023

Follow this link to access the newsletter – MSVA E-Bulletin, 24 February 2023

NALC’s Newsletter