Continued Success for the Sussex Immediate Justice Taskforce

https://email.proworx.co.uk/t/r-e-tikrddky-ujblutthy-j/

Closure of NatWest

Planning applications and decisions

Sunnyside Barn Open Afternoon

GATCOM News Bulletin

https://www.gatcom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NEWS-BULLETIN-27-March-2024.pdf

Chief Executive Bulletin

Rail Strike Action

Changes to Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services from next Thursday 4 April 2024 to Tuesday 9 April 2024 inclusive.

The most affected day is Monday 8 April 2024 when a strike is expected to take place, resulting in no trains on much of the network. It is however important that customers expect changes and check their journeys carefully on all dates in the period.

Journey planners such as www.nationalrail.co.uk are now updated.

A day by day, route by route summary and FAQs for customers is also available on the industrial action pages of our websites:

https://www.southernrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/industrial-action

https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/industrial-action

https://www.greatnorthernrail.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/industrial-action

An overview is available below for your reference. As always, we would welcome your support in sharing this information on your own channels and encouraging customers to check their journey plans for the period Thursday 4 April 2024 to Tuesday 9 April 2024 inclusive.

We’re very sorry for the disruption this will cause. As always, should you have any questions, please let us know.

Best wishes,

Paul,

Paul Codd
Senior Stakeholder Manager
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR)

Monday 8 April 2024 – Strike

Regrettably, because of strike action there will be no trains on the vast majority of the GTR network on Monday 8 April. The only services that will be running are:

• A limited, non-stop, shuttle service between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport.
• A limited shuttle service calling at Luton, Luton Airport Parkway and St Pancras International only.
• A limited, non-stop, shuttle service between London King’s Cross and Cambridge.

It is important to note that these trains will not stop at any other stations.

We are advising any customers who have no alternative but to travel by train that day to leave plenty of time for their journey, as these limited shuttle services are expected to be very busy and there are likely to be queues to board.

Thursday 4 April 2024 to Saturday 6 April 2024 inclusive and Tuesday 9 April 2024 – Overtime ban

A nationwide overtime ban by ASLEF will also be in place from Thursday 4 April until Saturday 6 April inclusive and on Tuesday 9 April. During this time there will be an amended timetable in place with fewer services overall.

These amended timetables have been designed to help passengers plan for their day, providing greater certainty of train times with fewer short-notice on-the-day alterations. Trains will be busier than usual, especially at peak times and customers may have to queue. Gatwick Express will not be running, but Gatwick Airport will continue to be served by Southern and Thameslink trains.

Please note that on Tuesday 9 April, as a knock-on effect of the strike on the previous day, there will be a later start up to services.

Sunday 7 April 2024

All services including the Gatwick Express, will be running on Sunday 7 April, but planned engineering works and industrial action on the previous day and following day will affect certain routes and services on Thameslink and Great Northern. Services on the East Coast Main Line towards Peterborough are expected to be extremely busy with the combination of sporting events and as a follow-on from strike action on long distance services on the Saturday.

Other operators’ services

It is also really important that customers check their entire journey when travelling during this period as other train operators across the country are also impacted by the overtime ban and strikes on different days, which could also make our stations and trains even busier. In addition, on the 8th April when GTR services are expected to be disrupted by strike action, a strike is currently expected on the London Underground.

If a journey involves using another train company, customers must check for any changes to their services and ensure that onward connections are available on the day they are travelling.

Hydrogen powered buses

A partnership between Metrobus (Go Ahead), West Sussex County Council, Surrey County Council, Kent County Council and London Gatwick has won a bid for funding to launch a new fleet of 43 hydrogen powered buses.

The Department for Transport has awarded the partnership over £10 million, which combined with £11.6 million from Metrobus (Go Ahead) and almost £3 million from the other partners brings the total for the project to over £24 million.  

West Sussex County Council is the lead partner and Cllr Joy Dennis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at the county council, said:

“Not only is this great news for West Sussex, but it’s great news for the region that we have been successful in our bid for funding and can progress with the rollout of 43 new hydrogen powered buses across the counties.

“This exciting  project is another example of our drive to offer low carbon transport options in line with the West Sussex County Council Plan’s theme of protecting the environment, and our priority of developing a sustainable and prosperous economy.”

The buses will operate across a wide area of Sussex, Surrey and Kent to connect rural areas with local towns and London Gatwick. Destinations will include Burgess Hill, Crawley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Worthing, Brighton, Caterham, Dorking, Redhill and Tunbridge Wells.     

Nick Hill, Commercial Director, Metrobus said: “We are delighted to be awarded match funding from the government’s ZEBRA 2 fund for 43 new hydrogen buses making our hydrogen fleet one of the biggest in the country. Our contribution to this project is £11.6 million which we consider to be a critical investment in providing zero emission buses on the Metrobus network for our customers.

“Buses are one of the most sustainable ways to travel. Hydrogen buses release zero emissions at the tailpipe, helping to reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone.

“This project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through partnership working by putting the transport needs of local people first.”

When fully operational, it will be one of the biggest fleets of hydrogen powered buses in the country and the only one operating in rural areas.

Planning

South Downs National Park Planning Newsletter

https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/South-Downs-Planning-Newsletter-Summer-2023.pdf

Action in Rural Sussex

Get Safe Online Week

Planning Applications

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner – National Rural Crime Network

https://www.eastgrinstead.gov.uk/https://email.proworx.co.uk/t/r-e-ttudthik-ujblutthy-j/”>https://email.proworx.co.uk/t/r-e-ttudthik-ujblutthy-j/[/pdf]

Speed limit on road outside of school in Shipley reduced to make children’s journey safer

Children, parents and staffs’ journey to a school in Shipley has been made safer as the speed limit is reduced from 60mph to 30mph on School Lane and Red Lane and 20mph on a section outside of the school.

West Sussex County Council received an application for a speed limit traffic regulation order to reduce the speed from 60mph to 30mph due to many children and parents walking to Shipley CE Primary School from the nearby area. The change was applied in August 2023 and thanks to West Sussex County Council’s new speed limit policy a further reduction to 20mph outside of the school was implemented.

In December 2022 the speed limit policy was approved by Joy Dennis, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, speaking about the policy Joy said: “The policy was introduced to help vulnerable road users and make active travel choices more attractive in West Sussex.

“Part of the policy includes an option for lower speed limits on rural roads and to make it easier for 20mph limits to be introduced outside of schools. The safety of children going to school is of the upmost importance to us so it’s great to see this policy being used effectively in Shipley.

“I hope that this change also encourages children, parents and staff to feel safe and confident to walk or cycle to the school.”

Both the speed limit policy and decision to lower the speed limit supports active travel, which is one of the key aspects of the West Sussex Transport Plan 2022 – 2036, which also underpins the Council Plan priority of supporting a sustainable and prosperous economy.

The applicant of the speed limit traffic regulation order, Sarah Cuthbertson said: “I’m hugely grateful and delighted to West Sussex County Council for approving and implementing the new 20/30MPH zone. 

“With cars being faster than ever before, it is so easy to not realise how fast we are driving. Slower speeds are crucial, especially on single carriage roads such as Red Lane and School Lane, which in particular sees a high volume of traffic during term times due to the primary school, but it also doubles up as a popular road for walkers and equestrians too.”

Amanda Jupp, local councillor for Billingshurst who supported this scheme said: “With the introduction of the new 20 mph speed limit outside Shipley School, I hope that this will make it safer for all drivers and school users.  My thanks to all who supported it.”

If a community identifies support for a speed limit change – including support from the local County Councillor and Parish Council (if there is one) it will be considered via the existing Traffic Regulation Order or Community Highway Scheme process depending on whether additional measures are required.

More information about Traffic Regulation Orders and how to apply for them can be found on West Sussex County Council’s website at https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/traffic-regulation-orders/.

NALC Events

Empowering young voices in your community

25 October 2023 — 12.00 – 13.15

Local (parish and town) councils have a long history of working with young people in their communities. However, engaging with today’s youth can be challenging, especially with the rapid changes in technology and communication.

This event aims to provide practical tips and guidance on new ways to engage with young people in your community, understand their needs, and gather their views on crucial local topics. By listening to young people’s voices, local councils can empower them to become leaders and spokespeople for change in their communities.

Join us to learn about strategies for engaging with young people that go beyond traditional methods and find out how to get the most out of the local leaders of tomorrow in your area. Our expert speakers will share their experiences creating effective youth engagement programs, using digital tools, and building strong partnerships with schools, youth organisations, and other community stakeholders.

Whether you are a local councillor, community leader, or youth worker, this event is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable wisdom and helpful tips on engaging with young people and empowering them to impact your community positively. Join us and discover how to harness the power of youth voices to create a better future for all.

Speakers: Danny Brown (British Youth Council), Cllr Adam Duce (Godalming Town Council) and Cllr Stefan Heighway (Great Dawley Town Council)

Making the planning system work for local councils

22 November 2023 — 12.00 – 13.15

Planning is undoubtedly the most significant issue affecting most parished communities in England. While the government has retreated from some of its controversial policy commitments from the 2020 white paper, it is time to re-examine the sector’s current concerns about planning in local council areas.

Join us at this exciting event to hear from a national policy stakeholder and relevant planning case studies from the local council sector on improving the planning system to meet local (parish and town) council needs. Our expert speakers will share their knowledge on the challenges and opportunities of planning in local councils and discuss approaches for improving community engagement, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring a fair and transparent planning process.

You will have the opportunity to engage in lively discussions with fellow attendees and learn from the experiences of other local councils facing similar planning challenges. Whether you are a local councillor, community leader, planner, or resident interested in planning issues, this event is an excellent opportunity to gain wisdom on revitalising your community’s planning.

Join us and discover how to work towards a planning system that meets the needs of local councils and empowers communities to shape their future.

Speakers: Richard Blyth (Royal Town Planning Institute), Cllr Sue Camp (Sevenoaks Town Council Planning Committee), Cllr Sanchia Davidson (Wing Parish Council) and Cllr Helen Sunday (Wing Parish Council)

Modality Mid Sussex CQC Report Publication

MODSUS CQC Report Press Release 26.09.23 PDF

NALC Chief executive’s bulletin

28 September 2023

NALC and LGA chairs meeting

NALC’s chair, Cllr Keith Stevens, met with the new Local Government Association (LGA) chair, Cllr Shaun Davies, on 26 September 2023. Keith took the opportunity to congratulate Shaun in person on his election at the LGA Conference in July this year and to highlight the importance of the two organisations, which collectively represent all councils in England, continuing to work closely together. They spoke about their priorities for each organisation (you can read about Shaun’s in his LGA conference speech and Keith’s in his first open letter), many of which are complimentary, and shared ambitions to promote the work of local government and support improvement. Keith was struck by Shaun’s recognition and support for the critical part that local (parish and town) councils play in local government – given he is also a town councillor – and his understanding of the issues and challenges facing our tier of local government. Other topics covered included our respective work on civility and respect and improvement and development. Keith also raised new work by the LGA to develop proposals for a Local Government White Paper to be published before the next general election, proposing that NALC write a section on local councils, which was welcomed and agreed. They also agreed to meet every few months and keep in regular touch.

New chair of the Improvement and Development Board

I am pleased to announce that NALC and SLCC have appointed James Alexander as the new independent chair of the Improvement and Development Board. The board oversees a range of national initiatives that support councils to be ever more effective and ambitious, including the CiLCA qualification and Local Council Award Scheme. James will help us continue driving our improvement strategy for the sector.

NALC urges the government to keep planning local

Responding to the latest Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities consultation on permitted development rights on 25 September 2023, we urged the government to keep planning local and democratic. In our submission, we argued that while we agree that more housing and affordable housing should be built, especially in rural areas, permitted development rights being the sole means to this end was not the answer. We stated these aims should be realised through democratic local planning authorities after consultation with local councils.

NALC and SLCC Design Code Pathfinder Showcase

We co-delivered an online event with the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) on the Design Code Pathfinder Programme on 20 September 2023. The event provided updates on how the 25 areas funded since 2022 with the government’s £3 million Design Code Pathfinder Programme – including £30,000 recently awarded to Weymouth Town Council – have used the funding to develop pilot design codes to help improve the look and feel of the built environment in their areas. Cllr Peter Allison, vice chair of NALC’s Policy Committee, chaired the event, which included a presentation on how Herefordshire Council had worked with local councils to create pilot design codes.

Liberal Democrat Party Autumn Conference

The party-political conference season has officially kicked off! I joined a panel event organised by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Local Trust at the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference on 25 September 2023. The panel discussed whether we need to improve representation and participation in local councils or if a new model is required. Liberal Democrat Peer Baroness Pinnock and chief executive of the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors, Cllr Tim Pickstone, stressed the importance of widening participation in our sector and engaging with younger people. The packed fringe event also heard from a committee member at Arches Chatham Neighbourhood Forum, George Atzev, about the challenges of building community governance in one the country’s most deprived areas with limited community assets and an often-transient population. I made the case that local councils (sometimes called community councils) should be at the centre of neighbourhood renewal nationwide. Local Trust also shared its manifesto for community and neighbourhood governance reform. Whilst there are some aspects of their conclusions we might not support, particularly around developing alternative models to local councils, we agree with their emphasis on improving neighbourhood governance, reducing bureaucracy and making it easier to set up local councils. The report illustrates quite bluntly the importance of our sector reaching out to different communities, encouraging participation, delivering for residents and upholding the highest standards so that it is the preferred solution for local governance. NALC’s vice-chair (member services), Cllr Mike Drew, and Management Board member, Cllr Bob Blezzard, were also at the conference with Anders Hansen, member services manager, making a case for why local councils matter and supporting several training sessions for councillors.

New neighbourhood planning and 20-minute neighbourhoods toolkit

The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) have published a new toolkit as part of their collection on the 20-minute neighbourhood. Neighbourhood planning gives communities the right to plan and influence development in their area. This practical toolkit, developed with the University of Manchester, aims to empower communities to create and shape their places to face the present and future challenges. It is for anyone interested in starting or working on a neighbourhood plan. By offering a framework for neighbourhood plans based on the 20-minute neighbourhood concept and diverse policy examples, TCPA hopes the toolkit can inspire communities to design healthier, more active and thriving environments for all.

Bexhill Town Council and women’s representation

Bexhill Town Council (which I’m pleased to say NALC helped create in 2021) recently passed a motion for its committees to comprise at least one-third of women. They may be the first council to take this step, and it’s a bold statement of commitment to ensure women’s voices are present across all the council’s work. Charlotte Eisenhart, head of member services at NALC, met with several council members on 25 September 2023 to hear more about how that motion came to be raised and to think about the broader issues of women’s representation, barriers to women standing to be councillors and sharing some of NALC’s work on this. If this topic interests you, you can learn more about our Make a Change campaign and women councillors network, let us know if the town council aren’t alone in taking this step.

On the blog: Forestry Commission

This week’s blog is from the chief executive of the Forestry Commission, Richard Stanford MBE. He writes on the significance of supporting your communities through tree planting, as with growing environmental pressures to tackle the climate and nature emergencies, never has it been a more important time to grow trees. Both the government and local authorities share a common goal to halt the decline in biodiversity and achieve net zero by 2050. The blog shares case studies on helping local authorities respond to biodiversity and climate emergencies. Check out the blog to find out more!

National Network: Coastal communities

Our national network on coastal communities for local councils in coastal areas held its latest online meeting on 26 September 2023. Senior researcher at the think tank Onward, Jenevieve Treadwell, gave a presentation on their research report Troubled Waters: Tackling the crisis on England’s coast, which was published last week. Issues covered during questions and discussion included the challenges in delivering housing, especially affordable housing and ensuring community support. The network also discussed how coastal communities deal with anti-social behaviour where members shared experiences from their areas, including how they work with other agencies. Rebecca Macdonald-Loftus from the LGA’s Coastal Special Interest Group (SIG) provided an update on their work. The SIG is pushing for better metrics from the government on coastal communities to ensure what is happening gets picked up and not absorbed in wider data. The Motion for the Ocean has now been supported by 18 councils, including some local councils, and Rebecca strongly urged the network to consider supporting and promoting the motion. The SIG is also calling for a coastal minister, as this responsibility doesn’t rest with any government minister, and is engaging with a new coastal policy group set up within DLUHC. Pledge For The Coast will be the SIG’s next campaign, launching on 17 October 2023, calling on everyone (whether you live in a coastal area or not) to do something to support the coast – more details will be available shortly. The network’s next meeting is on 23 November. If you’re a local council in a coastal area and want to connect with your colleagues, please do sign up for the network.

National Network: Super councils

This year’s third online meeting of the super councils network took place on 21 September 2023. The network responded to their views on an emerging policy on a higher trigger for local council by-elections. Our current positions on parish polls were also discussed, and updates were provided on the responses to the latest government consultations on hedgerows, permitted development rights and local plans. Super councils interested in participating in the NALC/LGA Corporate Peer Challenge programme are asked to send expressions of interest to anders.hanson@nalc.gov.uk.

County association conference and events

Our head of policy and communications, Justin Griggs, was at the Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC) Annual General Meeting and Conference on 21 September 2023 at the JobServe Community Stadium, home of Colchester United Football Club. It was great to see the critical work of the county association in building relationships with other public services in the county directly reflected in the event as it was held in conjunction with the Essex County Council. Speakers included the council’s deputy leader, the chief constable, the chief fire officer, and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. In his opening remarks, the commissioner thanked local councils for everything they do, adding, “Community safety is the bedrock to building prosperity and pride in our communities… where we have them, local councils provide more social cohesion and civic pride… you are people we can talk to, which makes a huge difference”. On having reduced anti-social behaviour by two-thirds over the last year, he added, “That is a result of partnership working with you and the local intelligence you provide”. In a panel session, Justin spoke about the role of local councils in building strong communities, the support provided by NALC and EALC to help local councils unleash their potential, and what more communities can do to help vulnerable people. It was also great to see and catch up with several of NALC’s partner organisations supporting the conference, including Blachere Illumination, CCLA, The Parkinson Partnership and Utility Aid. Well done, EALC colleagues, on a great event!

And finally…

I’m pleased there has been so much interest in the free events as part of our consultation on the Model Financial Regulations. There’s still time to book your place at an event and complete the survey. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to help us ensure this document continues to be a valuable resource to local councils.

East Grinstead Business Association  –The Power of Business Networking
19th October 6-8pm

https://mailchi.mp/342c86b4c8ee/the-power-of-business-networking-19th-october?e=85840ef858

Planning Applications

West Sussex County Council Decisions

https://westsussex.moderngov.co.uk/mgDelegatedDecisions.aspx?bcr=1&DM=0&DS=2&K=0&DR=&V=0

The Rural Bulletin

https://mailchi.mp/rsnonline/rsn-rural-bulletin-19-september-2023?e=ac4957fc76

NALC Newsletter

West Sussex Early Years

“Science tells us that a child’s experiences from conception through their first five years will go on to shape their next 50.” – Jason Knauf, CEO of the Royal Foundation, December 2020

West Sussex County Council and Integrated Care Board are on an exciting journey together to further develop services within Early Years and Childcare. We want to work in closer partnership to improve outcomes for children and families. As a result, we are developing a joint Early Years and Childcare Strategy.

We would really like input from a range of services and stakeholders to help achieve this, including parents, carers and those who have an interest in Early Years and Childcare. We would also like to hear from you if you are expecting to or have accessed services for children in the past.

For the strategy to be successful we would welcome your input into its design and identifying the priority areas to be developed. If you would like to have your say, then please complete the survey.

Thank you in advance for engaging in this important piece of work that will support improved outcomes, services and provision for our children and their families.

Jo Cox Civility Commission

NALC  recently met with the  Jo Cox Civility Commission which aims to find practical recommendations to address the complex problem of violence, abuse and intimidation of elected representatives at all levels, including local councillors.

We raised the strong desire in the sector for the return of sanctions which they said mirrored what they heard in their consultations across all stakeholders which was positive to hear. While they had already received a number of submissions from town and parish councils they agreed to extend the deadline to allow more councils to submit evidence to the commission.

Please could you circulate this email to your members and advise them that if they would like to submit evidence to the commission, particularly suggestions for concrete recommendations, to please share their ideas with the Commission by the end of September. This can be done by completing the online form  or  submitting the word document  to commission@jocoxfoundation.org or sharing their inputs by email.

Have your say on the future of active travel in West Sussex

Public consultation has begun on the future of active travel in West Sussex. The proposals that are being put forward set out how we can deliver improved walking, wheeling and cycling facilities across the county.

We are seeking your feedback on two important documents related to the way that we travel:

• Our draft Active Travel Strategy, which sets out our vision and goals for active travel in the county for the next decade and beyond.
• Our draft Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which identifies key locations where WSCC wants to invest in active travel.

Have your say

You can find out more about the suggested improvements by visiting the project’s website:

https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/active-travel-strategy

On the website you can read the draft Active Travel Strategy and LCWIP in full and have your say by completing a survey. The survey closes on 15 November 2023.

We would like to gain as many responses as possible, so please share details of these proposals through your networks. Your feedback is vital in shaping the final versions of the Active Travel Strategy and LCWIP, which are expected to be published in early 2024.

If you would like any of the materials in alternative formats, or have any questions, please email us at activetravel@westsussex.gov.uk or by telephone on 01243 642105 and we will do our best to assist you. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and have an NGT texting app installed on your computer, laptop or smartphone, you can contact us on 18001 (01243 642105).

East Grinstead motorbikes

EGTC staff had requested that the PCSOs come to town on Friday to apprehend the motorcycle that was ripping up East Court.   Delighted to advise that they sent the below note through on Friday afternoon and this was also posted on Facebook as to the successful removal of the bike from our streets.

For info PC Hawkins, PCSO Raven-Eagle, and myself have seized one of the motor bikes being driven around EG (it was the one from East Court last week), we also got the driver and pillion passenger who will both be dealt with for various offences.

Gatcom Weekly News Bulletin

NEWS BULLETIN 28 SEPTEMBER 2023

News from MSDC

Mid Sussex DC have advised that they have received two Release of S106 funding applications from East Grinstead groups for the latest funding round

• One from East Grinstead Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club for £17,790 toward resurfacing the squash courts and installing a viewing gallery, which can be funded from S106 contributions received in respect of the Bell Hammer, Ship Street development (DM/18/1762) which are allocated to the club, and
• One from East Grinstead Sports Club for £27,000 toward the cost of four new padel tennis courts which can be funded through s106 contributions from developments at Land at Felbridge Nursery (12/00386/FUL) and Land at St Lukes House (12/00439/FUL)

If any councillor has any objection to these awards please could you let the Clerk know the basis of the objection, by the end of the week in order to advise MSDC.

The Rural Bulletin

Click here for this week’s Rural Bulletin

School run improvements

Press release from WSCC

Modality Partnership

Mid Sussex Plan for Patients Update – Summer 2023

WSCC Residents’ eNewsletter

Sign up to the WSCC eNewsletter here

New surface dressing treatment programme in West Sussex completed

Read about it here

Levelling Up Committee Chair writes to Government on RAAC housing risks

Clive Betts, Chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee has written to Lee Rowley, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Local Government and Building Safety) to request an update on the Department’s assessment of the risk of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in social and private housing.

Clive Betts, Chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee, said: “There are well-publicised concerns about the use of RAAC in public buildings such as schools and hospitals but there is also concern about the use of RAAC in housing. It’s important the Government spells out its assessment of the risk in residential buildings, in social housing and local authorities’ estates and what guidance it is giving to residents and landlords on the risk of RAAC.”

The Committee’s correspondence asks a series of questions, including regarding the Government guidance provided to residents and landlords and on what funding will be made available to mitigate the risk of RAAC in social housing and local authorities’ estates.

Committee membership: Clive Betts (MP for Sheffield South East, Labour) is Chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee.

NALC Newsletter

Corporate Peer Challenge Report

Empowering young voices in your community – extra tickets released

Rural Insight Forum

Joint Panel on Accountability and Governance

Royal British Legion launch network for councillors

How safe do you feel in your local neighbourhood?

GATCOM Weekly News Bulletin

Read the Bulletin here

Rural Services Network

Monthly bulletin read here

Planning applications and decisions