Planning

WSCC Highways

Communication from Michele Hulme Head of Local Highway Operations – Highways, Transport & Planning Directorate

Dear Parish & Town Councils,

 As you will be aware, we have experienced unprecedented levels of rain and named storm events over this autumn/winter.  To put this in context, over the past 5 months (October- Feb) we have had more rain than we would normally have in a year.    February saw the highest level of rain since records began and in the first week of this month, we have already experienced a month’s worth of rain.

 Unfortunately, with these conditions’ potholes can form as water seeps under the road surface and saturates the substrate, leading to a hydraulic effect as vehicles pass over.   This is particularly the case where we have ‘evolved roads’ which don’t have formal construction layers or where we have existing damage to road surfaces.  It is therefore unsurprising that we are now seeing a large number of issues on the network, and we are experiencing very high numbers of customer reports. 

 I wanted to assure you we are doing all we can to manage the volume of enquiries though extended working/over-time. 

 Our contractor’s safety repair gangs are working twilight shifts and Saturdays to manage the increased number of safety jobs.  We have also increased the number of gangs and will continue to add to this resource but as I am sure you will appreciate, sourcing additional  gangs at this time is very difficult and is a national issue.   

 In addition, we have find & fix gangs who are predominately operating in urban areas and, when weather permits, we continue to run a jet patcher in more rural areas (this resource will increase again from next month).

 We continue with the ‘Right Time Approach’ we adopted last spring where the default is for potholes to be “Sides Sawn and Sealed”. Whilst these repairs take longer, we won’t carry out temporary repairs unless an emergency or where a large-scale patching/resurfacing is imminent.

 In terms of drainage, in our normal cleansing programme we have cleansed 90,000 gullies this year.  In addition, we have 4 gully suckers operating across the network carrying reactive work to alleviate flooding issues.  They have tackled over 600 jobs on our highest priority sites. 

 To enable the Highway Teams to effectively deal with the volume of safety issues being reported, we will pause non-statutory activities for an initial period of 4 weeks, which we start from today and we will review on the 15/04/2024 .

 Our response times to customers on general enquiries from 10-20 days.  Please continue to report issues via our website.   Of course, if you have urgent issues then please call 01243 642105. Between 8.00am and 6pm, Monday – Friday,  our Customer Service Centre will deal with the immediate response or ensure the matter is escalated to a member of the highways team.  Calls made out of hours are taken by our contractor’s contact centre.

 A summary of the temporary measures are detailed below.  We appreciate your support at this very busy and challenging time.

 Temporary measures ( from 18^th March 2024 to 15/04/2024)

•  Extend Service Level Agreement for customer responses – up to 20 days.
• Pause non-essential licensing activities (e.g., Licences such as Vehicle Crossovers, Planting Licences and Access Protection Line requests).
• Pause responses to general enquiries, including Community Highway Schemes, Community Traffic Regulation Orders, Third Party Claims
• We will add pop ups to the webpages to advise members of the public of paused activities.

Recycling Centres extend opening hours from 1 April 24

Recycling Centres across West Sussex will switch to extended spring/summer opening hours from 1 April 2024, giving residents more opportunity to recycle their household waste.

Residents need to make an appointment before visiting all West Sussex Recycling Centres. Slots are easy to book and can be made up to 14 days in advance or on the same day where available.

The spring/summer opening hours will remain in place until 30 September 2024 and will not be affected by bank holidays, including Easter Monday which falls on 1 April.

Cllr Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “Ensuring our residents can recycle as much as possible in a cost effective way is an important element of our Council Plan. As we approach springtime and warmer weather our Recycling Centres are usually at their busiest. To help accommodate this, we are providing longer opening hours to give residents more opportunity to visit the sites.

“An added benefit of our ‘Book to Recycle’ system means residents will be able to easily see when their local site is open when making an appointment.”

From 1 April 2024, Recycling Centres will be open as follows:

• Billingshurst open 9am to 6pm every day except Thursday and Friday.
• Bognor Regis open 9am to 6pm every day except Thursday and Friday.
• Burgess Hill open 9am to 6pm every day.
• Chichester open 9am to 6pm every day.
• Crawley open 9am to 6pm every day.
• East Grinstead open 9am to 6pm every day except Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Horsham open 9am to 6pm every day except Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Littlehampton open 9am to 6pm every day except Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Midhurst open 9am to 6pm every day except Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Shoreham-by-Sea open 9am to 6pm every day except Monday and Tuesday.
• Worthing open 9am to 6pm every day.

For a handy A-Z guide on what can and can’t be recycled go to: www.westsussex.gov.uk/recycling

Slots for all sites can be booked online by visiting: www.westsussex.gov.uk/BookToRecycle or over the phone by calling 01243 642106.

Event information from MSDC

• Training with Sussex Prisoners’’ Families on 24^th April

Join us 24^th April for this eye-opening look at the issues facing prisoners and their families.

Hidden Sentence Training increases awareness of issues facing prisoners’ families and identifies ways to support them.

The course will explore the ways in which families are affected by imprisonment

Understand the impact of imprisonment on prisoners’ families

Improve your understanding of the prison system

Understand the support needs of prisoners’ families

Understand the needs and wishes of prisoners’ families

Understand how to improve the coordination of services to provide more effective support for those affected by the imprisonment of a family member

Understand how to improve your own practice in supporting prisoners’ families

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE       https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hidden-sentence-training-tickets-860716384877?aff=oddtdtcreator

* We can also offer shorter, workshop-style events and online training.

Pippa O’Connor Marketing and Communications Officer Sussex Prisoners’ Families

• Easter Playdates – April 2024

NALC News

Chief executive’s bulletin Government officials visit NALC Council of the Year Promoting our sector to government and improving understanding of the great work local (parish and town) councils do, as well as the issues they face, remains an important part of our work engaging with the government. That’s why I was delighted we secured a visit by several officials from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to NALC’s Star Council Awards 2024 Council of the Year (sponsored by Blachere Illumination), Braunstone Town Council. A delegation of six civil servants visited the town council on 6 March 2024, where they met and held discussions with councillors, staff, and partner organisations. They toured several council facilities and projects, including the civic centre, library, new footpath/cycle path, multi-use leisure/sports areas, community centre. I’m hugely grateful to colleagues at the town council for all their hard work organising and delivering such a successful visit! Spring Budget 2024  The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, presented his Spring Budget to Parliament on 6 March 2024. Measures of interest for local government include: The opening of Round 4 of the Community Ownership Fund (which local councils are now eligible to apply for). Extension of the Household Support Fund for a further six months. £400m of funding to expand the Long-Term Plan for Towns to 20 new towns in England, Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland. National Insurance cut by 2p in the pound for employees and the self-employed. As announced in the local government finance settlement, principal authorities have been asked to produce productivity plans by July 2024 setting out how they will improve service performance, utilise data and technology, and reduce wasteful spend. Scrapping tax breaks for owners of holiday let properties. Fuel duty frozen, with the 5p cut in fuel duty on petrol and diesel due to end later this month kept for another year. Office for Budget Responsibility predicts UK economy to grow by 0.8% this year and 1.9% next year. Growth of 2% predicted for 2026, with 1.8% in 2027 and 1.7% in 2028. UK’s inflation rate forecast to fall below 2% target by the end of June, falling to 1.5% next year. On the blog: ACRE on Village Halls Week 2024  This week’s blog is from Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE). They write about Village Halls Week 2024, which aims to promote environmental action, focusing on rural communities’ potential to lead in the battle for net zero. With a growing climate crisis, the week encourages village halls to adopt sustainable practices such as energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy adoption, and digital technology utilisation to reduce carbon emissions. The campaign highlights the importance of village halls as community hubs and encourages behaviour towards sustainability. A highlight is the launch of energy efficiency guidance featuring successful case studies from Cumbria, Lancashire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, and Somerset. The initiative also encourages involvement through open days, events, and social media sharing that aims to inspire and empower communities to act. Read the blog to find out more! Finance and Scrutiny Committee  NALC’s Finance and Scrutiny Committee met remotely on 12 March 2024 and discussed our financial performance to 31 December 2023, noting no significant issues of concern to report. It agreed an inflationary increase to NALC councillor and officer expense rates in line with national recommendations. The committee also set up a task and finish group to consider any changes to the presentation of future accounts to the National Assembly and noted our latest GDPR log, agreeing that two small breaches required no further action. Martyn’s Law Steering Group meeting  The NALC and Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) Martyn’s Law steering group held its latest online meeting on Thursday 7 March 2024. Here are a few highlights: The group received an update on headline findings from the recent snapshot survey on the Home Office standard tier consultation which will inform NALC and SLCC’s responses. While respondents welcomed the Home Office’s efforts to ease some of the standard tier requirements, it was noted that compliance could still be challenging for certain local councils. Councils are requesting a standard tier evaluation form, sector-specific training, and tailored support and guidance. There were mixed views on whether the standard tier minimum threshold, which the government are not proposing to change despite concerns expressed by NALC and other bodies such as ACRE, should be retained as it was noted this would cause some resource issues for smaller local councils managing venues such as village halls and their user groups. NALC and SLCC would include in their responses that the current proposed requirements for standard tier compliance could make it harder for local councils to secure certain types of insurance. The steering group also suggested further work to share good practice examples of how local councils currently plan for potential terrorist attacks in their areas. Local audit backlog consultation  NALC recently responded to the government’s consultation on addressing the local audit backlog in England, intensifying its campaign to exempt local councils from entering the rigorous Category 1 full audit regime. In our response, NALC backed the Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments (SAAA) proposal to eliminate the existing minimum threshold of £6.5 million per annum for the full audit regime, arguing local councils and internal drainage boards should be classified as smaller authorities, irrespective of their turnover. Our response also called for an increase to the £25,000 audit threshold and introduction of a transparency code for councils with turnover between this lower threshold and £200,000. Read the full consultation response here. You can also read the SAAA response here. International Women’s Day recap  8 March was International Women’s Day (IWD) which saw local councils across the country celebrate with various initiatives honouring the contributions and achievements of women in their communities. From hosting events and workshops to sharing stories on social media, local councils highlighted the importance of gender equality and empowerment. Keighley Town Council celebrated IWD in collaboration with Keighley Soroptimist Club, hosting a free event at Keighley College aimed at empowering women and girls to explore opportunities in traditionally male dominated industries. Representatives from various sectors, including Yorkshire Water, Transdev, Incommunities, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Smart Works Leeds, and West Yorkshire Police, came together alongside community organisations supporting women. Similarly, Bridgnorth Town Council honoured remarkable women in their community through sharing daily stories on Facebook, culminating in a video message from the mayor commemorating the occasion and acknowledging the significant contributions of women throughout history, including Mayor Phoebe Matilda Weale, the town’s first female mayor in 1932, symbolising progress since women gained equal voting rights in England just four years prior. Find out how NALC celebrated IWD. Digital Democracy Partnership Charlotte Eisenhart, head of member services, attended a meeting of the Digital Democracy Partnership, which explored a new Digital Democracy Maturity Framework being developed by the Local Government Association (LGA). This digital democracy partnership developed over the pandemic as part of a sector wide response to holding remote council meetings, and later campaigned for the reinstatement of the power to hold remote meetings. This group is made up of other national bodies such as the LGA, Lawyers in Local Government, the Association of Democratic Services Officers and the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny. It is now a valuable forum to explore wider opportunities related to digital democracy. LGA event on Artificial Intelligence  Justin Griggs, head of policy and communications, attended the hybrid panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence, hosted by our LGA colleagues on 7 March. Speakers Jenny McEneaney from LGA, Sarah Pena from Swindon Borough Council, Felicity Burch from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Jennifer Schooling from Anglia Ruskin University and Sue Daley from TechUK, shared their thoughts on three key themes of risks, rewards and readiness. Jenny gave an overview of LGA’s work since 2019 on data and more recently AI, plus support available to ensure the “sensible use of AI in local government”, including the establishment of a councils network. Using drones to inspect council housing rooves was among the uses of AI by Swindon Borough Council, alongside trialling other uses and improving skills. AI “is an exciting opportunity, but risky” said Felicity, who also stressed how governance was crucial in addressing ethical issues, and her department was keen to engage with local government. Jennifer highlighted the importance of building capacity and capability in organisations alongside collaboration. Sue pointed out local government wasn’t alone in looking at how to use AI effectively, that digital transformation wasn’t over and that AI was part of the journey, and being AI ready required infrastructure/tools, governance, data, skills and collaboration. If this has piqued your interest, remember that places are still available at NALC’s online Decoding the future of artificial intelligence in local governance on 24 July!

Gatcom

Gatcom Weekly News

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner News

Sussex Police and Crime Panel agenda posted The agenda for the meeting of the Sussex Police and Crime Panel to be held on 22 March 2024 has been published and is available on our website. The meeting will be available to watch live via the Internet at this address: https://eastsussex.public-i.tv/core/portal/home.

 

Planning

Network Rail Southern Region Newsletter

MSDC Town & Parish Meeting

NALC News

Chief executive’s bulletin 29 February 2024 NALC chair’s meeting with local government minister Last week, NALC’s chair, Cllr Keith Stevens, had an introductory meeting with the new local government minister, Simon Hoare MP. Keith was struck by the minister’s genuine appreciation and support for the part our local (parish and town) councils play in local government to improve communities. The minister, who has previously been a parish councillor, set out his desire to work closely with NALC on the wide range of issues facing the sector and agreed to speak at some of our meetings and events. Keith took the opportunity to brief the minister on his open letter and priorities for the next two years, in particular highlighting standards in public life and our work through the Civility and Respect Project. Since the minister took up his role at the end of last year, both Keith and our president, Baroness Scott of Needham Market, have been lobbying him to take a fresh look at the government’s approach to ethical standards in local government. The minister confirmed he had heard loud and clear our concerns and case to strengthen the regime and was actively considering this further. Keith also pressed the minister to look at remote meetings, outlining the numerous benefits this would bring to local democracy. The minister supported the principle of councils having the flexibility to hold meetings remotely but that some meetings should still be held in person, confirming this was another issue he was looking at. Other issues discussed included the Office for Local Government, local audit, local government finance, sector support and following NALC’s representations work underway by the government on parish polls, community governance reviews and dependent’s carers allowances for councillors. Preventing harassment and bullying in the workplace conference  Standards in public life and safety for public figures has been top of the political agenda again over the last week. I was pleased to join colleagues from the public and private sectors at a Westminster Insight event on preventing harassment and bullying in the workplace where I spoke about our work with the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) to promote civility and respect, including the resources available to promote training, good governance and our civility pledge (now signed by 1435 councils). My key takeaways from the event were the importance of inclusive leadership, early intervention and calling out micro-aggressions. I was also struck by the contribution from Tina Chander, head of employment law at Wright Hassall, who concluded from a representative survey of 2000 people that “what was clear is that workplace bullying and/or harassment are currently significant workplace issues in businesses of all industries and sizes.” It was also good to note that many businesses and sectors are working hard to address this problem. NALC National Networks: Coastal communities NALC’s coastal communities network held its latest online meeting on 27 February 2024. Luke Homes-Douglas, from The Crown Estate, delivered a riveting presentation on his contribution to The Crown Estate’s emerging Marine Litter Strategy (MLS) for England. Luke shared his Coastline Running Initiative, where he actively collects shoreline plastic in collaboration with councils, schools, and local organisations. The network was also joined by Paul Johnson, from Natural England who gave a fascinating presentation on King Charles III England Coast Path and provided insights into coastal access and private beaches. Colleagues also discussed the results of our survey launched in November which is aimed at shaping the network’s meetings for the next two years. It was good the survey showed 80% of respondents enjoy the network sessions and find the topics interesting, informative, and relevant! The network’s next meeting is on 23 May 2024, so if you’re a local council in a coastal area or are interested in coastal issues and want to connect with your colleagues, please do sign up. On the blog: British Heart Foundation  This week’s blog is by Clive Rowlandson, marketing manager at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), discusses BHF’s mission to triple survival rates from out of hospital cardiac arrests by 2030. They aim to do this through two main campaigns: increasing defibrillator installations and training more people in CPR. To support defibrillator installation, a special offer on Defibrillator bundles is available for local town and parish councils and non-profits. To qualify, councils must commit to accessibility, provide suitable locations, and register on The Circuit – a national defibrillator network. The blog emphasises the importance of registering defibrillators on The Circuit to ensure quick access during emergencies, reducing response time. CPR training is also crucial, and the BHF offers a free online tool called RevivR, requiring only a mobile phone and a cushion to teach CPR skills in just 15 minutes. Please read the blog to find out more. NALC National Network: Super Councils NALC’s National Network for Super Councils met online on 14 February 2024, chaired by the network’s co-chair, Cllr Mike Drew. Here are a few highlights: Natalie Turner, deputy director, and Charlotte Lewis, network manager, from the Centre for Ageing Better (CFAB), gave an informative presentation on how local councils can work better to create age-friendly communities in their areas. They spoke about CFAB’s drive to encourage more towns to become age friendly and were keen for the network to play its part by getting involved and inspiring more councils to take an age friendly approach. Town councils that had adopted the approach were invited to share examples of the kinds of age-friendly activities they were undertaking by e-mailing charlotte.lewis@ageing-better.org.uk. Anders Hanson, member services manager, provided an update on the NALC/Local Government Association (LGA) corporate peer challenge programme for larger councils and invited councillors and clerks to get participate as peers, outlining that training would be provided. Larger councils interested in putting themselves forward for the peer challenge programme or joining a review team as a peer should email Anders.Hanson@nalc.gov.uk. Sevenoaks Town Council introduced an item on the sharing of contact details following local council elections. They outlined how when a candidate runs for election to a local council, the principal authority collects their contact details. However, after being elected, some principal authorities do not share these details with the clerk, making it difficult for them to issue a summons for the councillor to attend their first meeting. Data protection rules was cited as a reason for not sharing contact details with clerks, although most clerks had a legitimate interest in the data. It was agreed NALC would take this issue up with the Electoral Commission and Association of Electoral Administrators and propose a new tick box be added to the nomination form, specifying candidate consent for personal details to be passed to the relevant local council upon election. Out and abouts Charlotte Eisenhart, head of member services, joined county officers from across the South West of England on 21 February at their annual away day. They discussed the various national improvement initiatives, including the Local Council Award Scheme, and undertook a review of key areas of risk and opportunities facing NALC and county associations. It was a positive and productive discussion and a great opportunity to meet in person and build stronger relationships between our organisations. And this week, Charlotte chaired the Women in Local Government Conference organised by Dods Events. The event was attended by women from across the local government sector who wanted to think about how to address the barriers affecting women’s progression and developing careers in times of change. Housebuilding market study published  The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published the final report for the housebuilding market study on 26 February 2024. The report covers their findings, concerns identified, and an assessment of potential interventions to address them. A key finding is that the complex and unpredictable planning system and the limitations of speculative private development are responsible for the persistent under delivery of new homes. The study also found concerns about estate management charges, where homeowners often encounter high and unclear fees for managing facilities such as roads, drainage, and green spaces – echoing concerns previously highlighted by NALC to the CMA last year. The study also revealed apprehensions regarding the quality of some new housing. Recommendations include requiring councils to adopt amenities on all new housing estates, introducing enhanced consumer protections for homeowners on existing privately managed estates, and establishing a New Homes Ombudsman as soon as possible and setting a single mandatory consumer code so homeowners can better pursue homebuilders over any quality issues they face. Commonwealth Day 2024  This year, Commonwealth Day is being celebrated on 11 March 2024, marking the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth and designated as the Commonwealth Year of Youth. On this day, the Union Flag must be flown on UK government department buildings. Additionally, if there is a second flagpole available, UK government departments are encouraged to fly the Commonwealth Flag, if they have one. Many councils and other local organisations will have their own policy on the flying of flags, and they might choose to adopt similar practices. If you plan to fly the Commonwealth Day flag on 11 March, feel free to share a photo on your social media platforms and tag @UKinCW on X/Twitter. For more information, check out the government’s Union Flag flying guidance for UK government buildings. Welsh National Training Advisory Group meeting Last week, NALC’s member services manager, Anders Hanson, attended the latest meeting of the Welsh National Training Advisory Group which comprises One Voice Wales, Welsh Government, Welsh Local Government Association, SLCC and NALC. The meeting considered the retention and recruitment of clerks, training reports from the organisations in attendance, and a discussion on new environmental and digital training courses being provided in Wales. And finally…   I’m proud to announce the successful renewal of our Cyber Essentials certification for the second consecutive year. This achievement demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding members’ data and business operations against evolving cyber threats. You can read more in our news story.

NALC EVENTS

If any Councillors or Staff wish to attend any of these events, please do go through Kirstie to book so that the clerk can check on training budgets. Thank you.

Reconnecting communities through community transport 27 March 2024 — 12.00 – 13.15 The provision of community transport has become an increasingly important issue for local (parish and town) councils in recent years. With limited public transport options available in many areas, local councils must step up and support low-cost and sustainable community transport schemes to ensure their communities are connected and can access essential services. Join us at this event, where we will showcase successful community transport programmes that local councils have implemented. We will also provide details into the national stakeholder scene and how local councils can collaborate with other organisations to improve transport options in their area. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the benefits of community transport, how to establish partnerships and funding opportunities, and how your local council can make a difference in reconnecting your community through transport. Speakers: Will Austin (Bridport Town Council), Cllr Hugh King (Dereham Town Council), Caroline Pearce (Bridport Town Council) and Caroline Whitney (Community Transport Association)

 

Unleashing the power of local councils to tackle the climate emergency 26 June 2024 — 12.00 – 13.15 Empower your local council to force change in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. Despite their potential, many smaller councils feel shackled by a lack of funding and disempowered in making a tangible impact. It’s time to change that narrative. Take advantage of this dynamic event that goes beyond rhetoric. Witness first-hand examples of impactful initiatives from around the country through the eyes of a national stakeholder championing climate action, a representative from a government department steering this crucial agenda, and a case study featuring a council that has successfully risen to the challenge. This is not just another event – it’s a call to action! Walk away with practical, actionable insights your council can implement to make a real change. The fight against climate change starts at the grassroots level, and your council can be a driving force. Seize this opportunity to transform your council into a catalyst for positive environmental change. Together, let’s make a lasting impact on our planet’s future.

 

Decoding the future of artificial intelligence in local governance 24 July 2024 — 12.00 – 13.15 Dive into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and explore the realm of predictive analytics in local council settings. While our initial thoughts about AI might drift towards Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey, the current focus is on predictive analytics and harnessing historical data to forecast new instances or cases. In the realm of local government, predictive analytics is emerging as a game-changer, although its widespread adoption is still in its infancy. This session will take you beyond the surface, examining sophisticated examples of predictive analytics in various local public services. While some organisations have embraced this cutting-edge technology, most of the sector is just beginning to explore the opportunities and risks it presents. Hear directly from experts who have conducted a groundbreaking report for the Local Government Association on AI in local government, a principal authority utilising assistive technology, and a communications stakeholder in the sector. Gain valuable insights into how predictive analytics could shape the future of local councils and grapple with the broader moral dilemma presented by AI.

 

The future of neighbourhood plans 25 September 2024 — 12.00 – 13.15 Despite the government dragging its feet on supporting funding for neighbourhood planning, the confirmation eventually came through, solidifying its commitment to neighbourhood planning. In this area, local (parish and town) councils shine. This event aims to re-evaluate the continued significance of neighbourhood planning and make a case for its sustenance in the upcoming parliament, regardless of the government’s composition. The focus is bridging the interest gap between developers, local councils, and local planning authorities. Rediscover the passion for launching and shaping a neighbourhood plan in your area and access indispensable tips, guidance, and advice necessary to embark on this pivotal undertaking.

CAGNE – Gatwick Airport New Runway Update

CAGNE Town and Parish Council forum

Gatcom News

Gatcom News Bulletin

Gatcom Minutes

Citizens Advice – Monthly Bulletin

Citizens Advice News

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner News

NHS Sussex Survey

We are in the final week of hearing from local people about their confidence and satisfaction in the NHS and where we can improve. As well as going out to local communities, we have designed a survey to ensure that you can have your say.

Click on the following link: Let’s Talk About Your Experiences of Health and Care in Sussex 2024 | Sussex Health and Care Your Say (engagementhq.com)

The survey will take 20-25 minutes to complete, and the closing date will be Sunday 10^th March. You can also find out more about how previous feedback has led to change.

We want you to feel confident sharing honest and authentic feedback so our survey will be completely anonymous. It is available in easy read and alternative languages by contacting sxicb.involvement@nhs.net

Thank you in advance for your time in supporting your local NHS.

West Sussex County Council seeks help from local residents to combat flooding

West Sussex County Council is encouraging all householders and landowners, particularly those in more rural areas, to check if they have a responsibility to keep local watercourses free flowing and to help prevent vulnerable areas of the county from flooding. If a watercourse, ditch, stream, river or culvert runs adjacent to, through or under your land or property (even if it does not fall within your property boundary as set out by your Title Deeds) then you are likely to be what is known as a “riparian owner”. In short, you are responsible for the maintenance of the watercourse to ensure that water is able to flow freely into and along it, so that it doesn’t pose a flood risk. The legal responsibilities of a riparian owner are to: ensure the flow of water is not obstructed or polluted maintain the bottom and sides of the watercourse (including managing any trees and vegetation growing on the banks) remove any obstructions, such as rubbish, fallen branches or garden waste maintain any structures (such as rubbish screens, culverts, weirs and mill gates). You are more likely to have a responsibility if you live in a rural area due to there not being as widespread a drainage system as in urban areas, particularly alongside roads. Rural roads are especially affected when groundwater levels are high and surface water runs off neighbouring land and property onto them. It is essential that roadside ditches in these areas are kept clear for the water to flow into before it reaches the road and causes surface flooding or even damages the road surface. Cllr Joy Dennis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at West Sussex County Council, said: “Over the last five months we have seen a year’s worth of rainfall. You will have noticed that this has resulted in sustained high levels of groundwater, increased debris in the drainage systems causing blockages, and large amounts of surface water runoff, causing flooding across the county. “Our Highways team has been busy responding to numerous incidents of flooding. We continue to manage over 140,000 gullies and routinely clear other drainage assets, including our ditches. However, whilst we are working as hard as we can to keep the water network free flowing to reduce flooding, we do not have responsibility for all of the drains and watercourses within West Sussex. For example, we’re only responsible for around 10% of the county’s ditches. “Residents can play such an important role in combatting flooding by maintaining the drainage assets they’re responsible for, but we’re not expecting them to spend a lot of time or money; simply spending half an hour each month clearing debris and removing any blockages to allow water to flow freely is usually more than sufficient and will really make a difference. “Well maintained watercourses can significantly benefit our communities by not only reducing flood risk but by also creating great habitats for our wildlife.” To further help reduce flooding incidents across the network, we plan to deliver £1.9m of drainage works this year. We have also doubled our number of jetting vehicles in response to extreme weather and have four vehicles available to attend affected sites to clear flooding or investigate issues. Our drainage gangs continue to work proactively to clear gullies and a ditch clearance programme is operating at sites identified as having an impact on the highway. We also have approximately £500,000 of small-scale drainage schemes on schedule to be delivered by the end of this month. To find out more about the responsibilities of a riparian owner and our flood prevention works take a look at our FAQ document:  Riparian Ownership: Frequently Asked Questions .

Road Closure- Carriageway Patching – A264 Holtye Road, East Grinstead – 21 March 2024

Please be advised that A264 Holtye Road, East Grinstead is due to be closed for Carriageway patching works from 21/03/2024 to 23/03/2024 between 20:00 – 06:00.

Please note that these works are weather dependant and may be cancelled at short notice, but we will endeavour to inform you should there be significant changes to the programme. This road closure is covered by the 14.1 order made on 11^th January 2022.

Road Name	Location	Date (from and to)	Time of works
A264 Holtye Road	East Grinstead	21/03/2024 – 23/03/2024	20:00 – 06:00

Further information can also be found via one.network

MSVA E-Bulletin

MSVA E-Bulletin 7 March 2024

Planning

Mount Noddy building site – Blackwell Farm Road – The Guinness Trust

Update on site from Chris Carey Development Surveyor Estates and Building Control Mid Sussex District Council:

The site was sold by the district council to the Guinness Trust.   The Trust’s  proposal to develop the site for affordable housing use has been frustrated by their previous building contractor going into liquidation.   We have pressed the Trust for information regarding their revised plans and they advise that they intend to retender the building contract in the very near future.

We have also asked the Trust to keep the site in a neat and tidy condition and understand that their maintenance contractor makes regular visits.  I will ask that work is being checked.  I will keep you advised as to developments.

WSCC Budget information for 2024/25

£2 billion budget agreed for 2024/25
West Sussex County Council will invest £2bn to support residents, communities and businesses over the coming year, including an extra £81.9m of funding for vital day-to-day services.

The council’s budget for 2024/25 was agreed at a meeting of Full Council today, Friday 16 February, where councillors also approved Our Council Plan, which sets out our priorities.
The extra funding includes:
• £31.2m more for vulnerable children and young people,
• £18.3m more for adults’ social care,
• £4m extra to maintain the county’s 4,000km of roads,
• £27.8m to manage increased costs, as inflation levels remain high.
During 2024/25 the council also plans to spend £131.6m of its £695m five-year Capital Programme. The main areas of investment being highways, schools and the environment.

At the meeting, members across all political parties debated measures that were then agreed to balance the budget for the year ahead.
These include efficiency savings of £15.7m, an increase in core council tax of 2.99%, and an additional adult social care precept of 2%.
Amendments to the budget proposals and to the council plan were put forward by opposition parties but these were not approved, following a vote.
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How much will your Council Tax be?
The amount of Council Tax you pay depends on your Council Tax band and more information will be made available over the next month.
The increase in the county council’s share of an average Band D property will be £81.54 per year, which is £1.57 per week.
Council Tax is paid to your district or borough council, who have information about help to pay Council Tax, including discounts and eligibility for exemptions.
If you are struggling, further financial help, advice and practical support is available on our Cost of living pages.

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Our priorities and where we will invest
Here’s a breakdown of where we will spend our budget next year in West Sussex:
• Managing schools and education – £961m
• Caring for adults and keeping people healthy – £507m
• Children’s social care and supporting young people – £204m
• Protecting the environment, recycling, and waste disposal – £91m
• Maintaining our roads and providing transport – £83m
• Running our organisation – £77m
• Fire and Rescue Service – £38m
• Supporting local communities – £22m
• Supporting the local economy – £3m.
Following a public consultation where residents were asked which services were most important to them, the council also confirmed its commitment to four key priority areas, underpinned by a cross cutting theme of ‘protecting the environment’.
The priorities are:
• Keeping people safe in vulnerable situations
• A sustainable and prosperous economy
• Helping people and communities fulfil their potential
• Making best use of resources.
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Who does what in West Sussex?
You told us in a recent survey that you wanted to know more about local democracy, how it works, and who does what.
There are three tiers of local government in West Sussex serving more than 880,000 residents.
West Sussex County Council provides around 80% of public services in the county, including roads and travel, education, social care, libraries, waste disposal and recycling and the Fire & Rescue Service.
Our county also has district, borough, town and parish councils, and eight MPs.
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Join us to find out how you can become a councillor
Could you play an active part in shaping the services that are provided for residents in your community?
Next year West Sussex County Council will hold a whole-council election so now is a good time to think about about whether you would be interested in becoming a county councillor.
Local councillors come from all walks of life and with varying backgrounds, experiences, and family lives. The most important thing is a desire to make a difference for your community.
We are hosting events across West Sussex until June for anyone wanting to find out more.
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Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner News

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner News

NALC News

Chief executive’s bulletin NALC chairs and vice chairs development session Following the election of our new councillor leadership team, our committee chairs and vice-chairs held an in-person development session at our offices on 15 February 2024 to discuss their roles, their future work programmes and how they can work more closely together to support county associations and councils. Plans for the work programmes include continuing to provide support on the big themes of climate change, health and well-being, young people and the Make a Change campaign. New or developing themes for the future include planning and community safety/resilience. Items were also identified to address workforce challenges, support the sector’s financial resilience and develop data on the sector. Martyn’s Law Steering Group The NALC/SLCC Martyn’s Law Steering Group held its latest online meeting on 9 February 2024 to progress sector activity regarding the Draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, otherwise known as Martyn’s Law. Some highlights include: The Steering Group reviewed the interim feedback from the rapid response sector survey, noting that there were still relatively low awareness levels of Martyn’s Law, that respondents so far had highlighted cost concerns and thought there should be a standard terrorism evaluation template form for local councils to complete. As the survey aims to inform NALC and SLCC’s responses to the Martyn’s Law standard tier consultation, the Steering Group agreed to extend the deadline to 23:45 on 29 February – please complete this short survey which should only take 5 minutes here. It was agreed to meet again before the final Home Office standard tier consultation submission deadline for responses of 18 March 2024. Fortnightly meeting with county officers This week’s meeting between NALC and county officers saw a presentation from Chris Cowcher, head of policy and communications at Plunkett UK. Plunkett UK is an organisation that supports community-owned businesses nationwide, providing them with free expert advice, training, and funding. They already work with many local councils and emphasised how important local councils can be to making a success of many community-owned businesses. This presentation was an opportunity for them to explain a bit more about their work and to answer questions from county officers. The meeting concluded with some brief updates from NALC colleagues including a reminder of the 12 March deadline to submit policy motions for consideration by NALC’s Policy Committee at its April meeting, the recent meeting of the Martyn’s Law Steering Group and the forthcoming legal bulletin. Improvement and Development Board Members of the Improvement and Development Board (IDB) – which includes NALC, Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC), and county associations – attended a workshop on 20 February 2024 led by James Alexander, the Board’s new chair. The Workshop discussed the key areas of improvement work for the next 12 months. Also, they decided to set up four Taskforces to look at specific areas for improvement and agreed on how the Board would operate and interact with the Taskforces. On the blog   This week’s blog by Lee Cleaver, client account executive at Clear Councils Insurance, focuses on the invitation of local (parish and town) councils and communities to commemorate D-Day on 6 June 2024 by lighting beacons and provides guidance on ensuring safety during the event. The safety tips include consulting with the relevant authorities, organising the event in accordance with the latest guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, and obtaining fireworks from a reputable manufacturer. The blog also highlights that there are alternative ways to engage in the D-Day anniversary celebrations. For more information about staying safe during the commemorations, please read the blog! Funding to help VCSE organisations improve energy efficiency  On 7 December 2023, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport launched a £25.5 million funding package to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency. Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply for an independent energy assessment and capital grants to install energy efficiency measures. The scheme is open to frontline community organisations across England. Groundwork UK, which is delivering the scheme, is particularly keen to hear from small and medium organisations with significant concerns around energy which are directly supporting individuals and communities with critical needs, especially those related to the rising cost of living. Examples include: services that address poverty, including providing food, warmth, emergency supplies or personal grants. shelter, accommodation and housing for those most in need. advice for people experiencing financial, housing or legal challenges. services that address specific physical and mental health issues. education, training and employment services that improve employability. community hubs or centres, out of which a number of these services operate. Councils are encouraged to share this scheme with VCSE organisations in their area and organisations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible! Out and about  Our communications officer, Nadoya Reid, and our administrator, Olivia Kane, attended the Proud Ampthill and Flitwick (Proud AF) LGBT+ History Month celebration in Flitwick Bedfordshire on 15 February 2024. The event heard from Nelly Wright, a member of Proud AF who shared their personal story, and John Gross, Terrence Higgins Trust Milton Keynes, who spoke about the importance of HIV prevention PrEP. The event was supported by Flitwick Town Council and Ampthill Town Council who I want to thank for the invitation and hosting my colleagues. We hope to see more local councils organising events celebrating LGBT+ History Month and Pride – please let us know what you are doing to policycomms@nalc.gov.uk so we can share more widely. Email domain names briefing published  NALC has published a briefing on council email addresses and password security. The briefing specifically explores gov.uk domain names and why they are recommended by NALC and SLCC, highlighting the benefits they bring to the professionalism of local councils. This information is especially relevant at a time when many organisations, whether small or large, face an increased risk of security breaches, an issue addressed by this briefing. The document has been developed with input from the Parish Council Domains Helper Service and outlines best practices for managing passwords and ensuring email security. And finally…    The campaign for this year’s The Big Lunch (1-2 June) has begun! The Big Lunch – which I know many local councils have been supporting for several years – helps create safer neighbourhoods and addresses social isolation. By bringing people together over shared meals, this initiative plays a crucial role in strengthening social bonds, promoting a sense of belonging, and enhancing civic pride within local communities. 1 in 5 of the UK population took part last year and local councils are once encouraged to get involved. The Eden Project will be hosting a free webinar on 26 February 2023 at 1 pm, offering guidance on how councils can support the Big Lunch campaign and their communities. More information on the webinar and how to register can be found here.

Women councillors network meet to discuss bullying and harassment – News (nalc.gov.uk)

NABMA honours outstanding local councils in market awards – News (nalc.gov.uk)

NALC publishes a briefing on council email addresses and password security – News

Parliament approves Local Government Finance Settlement 2024/25 – News (nalc.gov.uk)

Gatwick News

Gatwick in Touch – news for local residents

Tandridge Local Plan Examination

The Inspector has sent his final report to the Council on the Examination of the Tandridge Local Plan “Our Local Plan 2033”, in which he concludes that the Local Plan is unsound and thus incapable of being adopted. The Inspector’s report is available on the Council’s website here

You are being contacted because you have either previously responded to a consultation on the Local Plan and/or have expressed a wish to be kept up to date on its progress. 

The Planning Inspectorate would like your feedback about the examination. If you were involved in the examination because you made comments in writing and/or you took part in a hearing session, please complete this short survey. The survey will close on 17^th March 2024. Any comments you make will be confidential.

Tandridge Planning Policy Team

Planning

Rural Bulletin

Rural Bulletin 20 February 2024

Fostering WSCC

Every child needs a family. Do you have room in yours?

You don’t need to be a superhero to be a foster carer! You simply need to have some experience of caring for children, a spare bedroom, and be kind and patient (a sense of humour also helps!).

While the children that West Sussex County Council cares for are all in safe accommodation, a number are living a significant distance from their school and friends. 65% of these young people are aged 11 to 17 and they are waiting to find a local foster family – someone like you – to guide them through this important time in their lives.

Foster carers for WSCC receive comprehensive training, ongoing professional support and a competitive financial package of up to £30,393 per year, per child.

Could you open your heart and home to a local child?

Contact the team on 0330 222 7775 or visit fosteringwestsussex.org.uk.

NALC News

NALC responds to BBC investigation on abuse towards councillors and staff – News

NALC opposes the street vote development concept   – News

Local councils can now apply for a free portrait of His Majesty The King – News (nalc.gov.uk)

Home Office announces free webinar for Martyn’s Law standard tier consultation – News (nalc.gov.uk)

Moving your council to a .gov.uk domain couldn’t be easier with the parish council domains helper service   – News (nalc.gov.uk)

Gatcom News

East Grinstead Business Association

East Grinstead Business Association Newsletter

 

Planning

East Grinstead Town Events

Road closure information

Mid Sussex Applauds Awards nominations

The Mid Sussex Applauds Awards offer a unique opportunity to honour the outstanding individuals and projects that make our community such a vibrant and special place to live and work. Your support in promoting the event and encouraging nominations can play a pivotal role in recognising and celebrating these remarkable achievements.

With eight distinctive categories including Volunteer of the Year, Community Project of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award, there’s plenty of opportunity to showcase the diverse talents and initiatives within our community.

Nominations can be submitted by 18^th February, 2024: https://www.midsussexapplauds.co.uk/nominations.html

Household Support Fund available for Mid Sussex residents

Mid Sussex District Council is working with the Department of Work and Pensions to support residents in need across the district. The Household Support Fund will allocate funds to aid low-income households in coping with the rising cost of living.  

 

Running until March 31 this year, the initiative aims to provide additional support for families struggling with the increasing costs of food, white goods and other essentials. Eligible individuals and families will receive vouchers, ensuring that the assistance directly addresses crucial needs. 

 

Alison Bennett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications said: “The increased cost of living is having a huge impact on communities across our district. It’s a difficult time for everyone, but there is a huge amount of support available. 

 

“You could be eligible to receive household support to help pay for food, white goods and energy, so please do reach out so we can see how we can help you. The Household Support Fund is a helping hand for those navigating financial challenges, and we want to ensure that every eligible household in Mid Sussex is aware of the assistance available.” 

 

This funding is designed to benefit a diverse range of individuals and families, including, families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, disabled individuals and more. This initiative aligns with the Council’s commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community during challenging times. The aim is to relieve the financial strain on households, promoting stability and well-being.

For more information, please visit https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support/ or contact the customer service team at 01444 458166.  

NALC News

Chief executive’s bulletin 8 January 2024 BBC coverage on abuse and intimidation towards councillors and staff  I was pleased NALC was involved in working with the BBC on their investigation and story into abuse and harassment by members of the public towards councillors and council staff, including in local (parish and town) councils. We must raise awareness of the issues and problems our councils face such as abuse towards councillors, but we must also take seriously what councils can do for themselves to ensure the best governance they can. Our Civility and Respect Project aims to help councils do just that, providing a suite of guidance, template policies and training, including advice on how to manage risk associated with your public role, which I’d urge councils to make use of. Councils can also demonstrate their commitment by signing the Civility and Respect Pledge. Monday’s edition of Newsnight also covered the same story and featured two interviews with councillors, one a parish councillor, who spoke movingly about the abuse they have faced. But they were also resolute in wanting to stay in the role, to tackle the issue from the inside, highlighting the good work councillors can do for their communities. That’s why celebrating the best of the sector must also be at the heart of our work in councils, county associations and NALC, inspiring more people to get involved and stand for election. Initiatives already underway include national and county level awards, sharing examples of practice and case studies, engaging with the media, and campaigns to encourage more people to become councillors. There’s always more we and county associations can do, so please send your examples and ideas to policycomms@nalc.gov.uk. New guidance for safer canvassing  Our colleagues at the Local Government Association (LGA) have produced guidance for councillors to help them stay safe while canvassing. This helpful and timely resource includes tips on physical safety, how to assess risk, using technology to keep yourself safe and much more. This is essential reading for any councillors planning to canvass in the run up to elections in May, and much of it is relevant for other activities in your community as well. On the blog: parish council domains This week’s blog post discusses the initiative led by the Parish Council Domains Helper Team in collaboration with the Cabinet Office. The initiative aims at assisting local councils in transitioning to .gov.uk domains, offering enhanced support from domain registrars experienced in working with councils, along with £100 plus VAT in funding to aid the transition. Clerks can receive hands on support through four sessions covering various aspects of the transition process, all accompanied by helpful guides and templates. The blog post highlights recent progress and invites councils to participate in the introductory sessions to engage with the helper service. Read the blog to find out more! Out and about  Jane Moore, senior solicitor and legal services manager, delivered a legal update at the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Association of Local Councils online event for clerks and councillors on 31 January. Jane’s presentation covered recent legislative updates, including on council powers to fund works on church property, the biodiversity duty, and fire safety requirements under the Building Safety Act 2022. NALC National Network: climate emergency NALC’s climate emergency network met online on 5 February 2024 to discuss the Climate and Ecology Bill, the Great Collaboration Website, the Local Net Zero Forum Task and Finish Group, and a recent roundtable for local councils that have adopted a Net Zero 2030 policy. Allan Scott Grey, political communications manager at Zero Hour, was our guest speaker and informed network members that the Climate and Ecology Bill aimed to reduce emissions consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5C and to halt and reverse nature loss. The bill was about to be reintroduced to Parliament, and local councils could show their support by presenting motions supporting the bill and signing the open letter. Further updates were provided on the Place Based Initiative’s takeover of the Great Collaboration website, including that a regional pilot was being planned in East Anglia and that four working groups had been created and from the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero’s Local Net Zero Forum Task and Finish Group, which had agreed to look into simplifying available funding streams but hadn’t shown any appetite for joined up working. Network members were also encouraged to help shape the future of the network by completing the network survey by 16 February 2024 and to sign up for the Centre for Sustainable Energy’s upcoming webinars on an introduction to their Community Carbon Calculator and Community Carbon Calculator: the tool in action. Larger Councils Committee  The Larger Councils Committee met online on 6 February 2024, here are a few highlights: The committee considered a proposal for its work plan for the next two years and identified monitoring the impact of artificial intelligence on larger councils, grant funding for local councils fighting climate change, reviewing thresholds for larger and Super Councils and guidance on councils undergoing boundary reviews. Given the size of the committee and expertise already represented, the committee agreed not to make any co-options and keep this under review. The committee received a presentation from Annie Child, chief executive of Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments (SAAA) who spoke about the organisation’s key purpose, board membership, priorities for the audit market, sector, and organisation. Annie also highlighted particular areas of interest such as audit thresholds, internal audit and modernising Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR). The head of member services provided a summary of the new model and template contracts of employment for local councils, which were launched in December 2023, and the ongoing review of the criteria for the Local Council Award Scheme.   Home Office webinar on Martyn’s Law standard tier consultation on 13 February 2024  Following the publication of the long-awaited Martyn’s Law standard tier consultation earlier this week the Home Office has announced that it will be hosting a free information webinar for interested public sector bodies which may own or manage buildings and premises falling in the scope of the standard tier of the draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, including local councils. The free webinar will take place between 15:00 – 16:00 on 13 February 2024 on Teams. Please click for information on accessing the session. Fortnightly meeting county association officers  In this week’s meeting between county officers and NALC, we discussed the rollout of the template contract of employment and associated guidance. County officers shared their experiences, discussing how the process was unfolding and addressing any questions they had encountered. We also received a short introduction to the recent report from the Jo Cox Civility Commission, which was included in one of my recent bulletins. There was also an update on the results of the survey into the 2023 local council elections and what this tells us about the local council sector. UK wide academic survey of principal authority councillors  Some of you may have been contacted or heard about a UK wide survey of councillors being conducted by academics from four universities as part of a wider European research network. Disappointingly, this is a survey of councillors on principal authorities in the UK and does not cover local councils. We’ve conveyed this to the academics running the project, but the more positive news is they intend to conduct a further survey next year on community level governance and would welcome NALC’s support and involvement, so watch this space! NALC online event on levelling up  Our latest online event was held on 31 January 2024, focusing on how local councils could leverage the levelling up agenda for their benefit. The event featured an expert panel, including Adam Hawksbee from Onward, Sophie Hosking from Cornwall Council, and Cllr Carl Les from North Yorkshire Council. They discussed the opportunities presented by the levelling up agenda and the necessary steps for councils to prepare for devolution. Adam Hawksbee outlined strategies for addressing challenges such as antisocial behaviour, revitalising town centres, supporting local culture, promoting economic development, and aiding disadvantaged communities. Cllr Les highlighted North Yorkshire’s transition to a unified authority and emphasised the importance of devolution for local governance. Sophie Hosking shared insights from Cornwall Council’s localism strategy, emphasising collaborative governance with local councils and political parties. Find out more about NALC’s online events! And finally…  I was delighted to see several local councils recognised by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) at an award ceremony on 25 January 2024. Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council jointly retained the title of Britain’s Favourite Market for the second consecutive year for their collaborative efforts to provide a Shrewsbury Indoor market. South Moulton Town Council (Devon) was honoured with the Best Community/Parish Market title for its exceptional management of the South Moulton County Pannier Market, celebrated for its community-centric services, charitable support, and free community activities. Ross-on-Wye Town Council (Herefordshire) and Skipton Town Council (Yorkshire) were highlighted for Ross-on-Wye Christmas Fayre and the Skipton Outdoor Market among the highly recommended markets. A huge well done to all finalists and winners!

Women councillors network meet to discuss bullying and harassment – News (nalc.gov.uk)

NABMA honours outstanding local councils in market awards – News (nalc.gov.uk)

NALC event highlights how local councils can benefit from the levelling up agenda – News

NALC’s women councillors national network launches a new survey – News

Risk management – News (nalc.gov.uk)

Gatcom News

Rural Bulletin News

Rural Bulletin 6 February 2024

 

 

Planning

Road Closure Order Notice

NALC News

Chief executive’s bulletin
1 February

NALC’s chair in Parliament

NALC’s chair, Cllr Keith Stevens, has been busy championing the sector at various meetings and events over the last few days. In his recent open letter, you can read about how ensuring a strong national and local voice remains among his continuing priorities. On Monday night, Keith was at the Local Government Association’s parliamentary reception in the House of Lords, taking the opportunity early in the New Year to speak to ministers, shadow ministers, MPs, Peers and local government leaders. He reminded them about the fantastic work going on in the first tier of local government, as well as the policy objectives in our manifesto, such as civility and respect. Keith continued these conversations with an introductory meeting with the new shadow local government minister, Jim McMahon MP, briefing him on the work of NALC and county associations and discussing Labour’s General Election manifesto, pressing for our sector and policy ideas not to be overlooked. NALC’s recent submission to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee on the Office for Local Government (Oflog) was the focus of his meetings with Oflog’s chair, Lord Morse, and also the Committee’s chair, Clive Betts MP. Keith also met with the sport and civil society minister, Stuart Andrew MP, to brief him on how local (parish and town) councils are helping tackle loneliness, providing sports and leisure facilities and increasingly taking on youth services. He highlighted the need for direct access to funding to support their work. Plus, he had a catch up with NALC’s president, Baroness Scott of Needham Market, where they discussed our parliamentary engagement over the last year and the next twelve months. And you may have spotted Keith on Tuesday night’s The One Show, which was live from the launch of The Big Help Out 2024. Keith joined TV presenter and journalist Anneka Rice and British astronaut Tim Peake, both ambassadors for the campaign, along with a range of national bodies at the event. This event marked the beginning of the UK’s biggest ever mass volunteering movement taking place from 7-9 June. I’m delighted that NALC is backing this initiative, and I’m keen to see as many councils as possible get involved!

On the blog

This week’s blog is from NALC’s partner, Utility Aid. The financial world is very volatile right now, so strategic decision making is paramount. This is why Utility Aid are keen to equip our councils with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of energy contracts. Their timely blog sheds light on the nuances between fixed, flexible, and pass-through contracts, empowering readers to make informed decisions that safeguard their organisation’s financial stability. You can contact Utility Aid directly. Read the blog to find out more!

NALC National Network: Women councillors

NALC’s women councillor’s network met on 29 January 2024 to discuss NALC’s survey plus bullying and harassment in the sector. We’re currently running a survey for the network designed to provide insight into the experiences of women within the sector and how they would like to shape the delivery of the network and its work over the next two years. It was good to have our colleague Jackie Weaver from the Cheshire Association of Local Councils come along to speak about standards of behaviour, what sanctions exist, and the sanctions process, plus tips on dealing with bullying and harassment. Find out how to join the network!

Finance and Scrutiny Committee

Our new committees are settling in well and developing their roles. This week the Finance and Scrutiny Committee held a special meeting to discuss how its scrutiny function could be developed to cover corporate governance and performance as well as its traditional financial oversight. It also conducted a thorough overview of our financial systems as it developed proposals for reporting on finance matters to the National Assembly.

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Rural insight forum

This month’s forum focussed on the work of the National Infrastructure Commission and its second National Infrastructure Assessment report, setting out a “thirty-year plan for a low carbon and resilient economy that supports economic growth and protects the national environment.” This plan will require significant investment across the UK and have implications for many communities, and I stressed the importance of ensuring community engagement and understanding of the challenges ahead. The forum also looked at recent changes to planning and rural housing and the future of the Rural England Prosperity Fund.

Special meeting of NALC Policy Committee
We convened a special online meeting of our Policy Committee on 26 January to shape our response to the Government’s street vote development order consultation. Headlines include:
• It should be a statutory requirement for local councils to be consulted on a street development order proposal.
• NALC is not in favour of the street votes concept, which is also supported by the Society of Local Council Clerks. However, we acknowledge that it is proceeding as an outcome of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act. If it is to proceed, we suggest that the option, ideally with funding, should be given to local councils to act as micro-councils, covering 50 properties or less, for a street vote development order.
• We also consider that if this concept is to proceed, it should, where possible, reflect the democratic planning process for both the local and neighbourhood plan.
• We believe that this concept is perceived as urban, not rural, which will be a disbenefit to most local councils, and that the Policy Exchange and the government should have engaged more with the sector at the concept’s inception stages.
• We further believe that since this concept is largely urban it is an oblique attempt to ensure that, in certain circumstances, developers do not have to pay for affordable housing through specific developer contributions. We also expressed concern that the street vote concept is likely open to abuse in rural areas.

Funding to help organisations improve energy efficiency – the second part of the scheme now open

While local councils cannot directly apply for the newly launched fund, we wanted local councils to be aware of its existence. There could be opportunities for collaboration with local voluntary agencies when bids are made. On 7 December 2023, the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport launched a £25.5 million funding package to support voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England in enhancing their energy efficiency . Eligible organisations can apply for an independent energy assessment and capital grants to implement energy-efficient measures. The second phase commenced on 18 January, with organisations able to apply through three grant rounds, the last of which closes in August 2024. All measures must be installed and paid for by March 2025. Thus, it is advisable for all organisations, especially those with more complex projects, to apply early to ensure sufficient time for installation. Local councils are also encouraged to share details of this scheme with VCSE organisations in their areas.

National Assembly induction workshop

On Tuesday evening, we hosted a workshop for National Assembly members as part of an expanded programme of support for our councillors. As part of this induction, assembly members were given an overview of NALC’s governance arrangements and the role requirements of assembly members. We also shared some benefits of being a national assembly member and discussed ways to strengthen their role. We were really pleased to be joined by Councillor Abi Brown, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Improvement and Innovation Board, who shared her experiences of her role as part of the LGA’s governance arrangements.

Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments (SAAA) board meeting

As NALC’s member director on the Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments (SAAA) board, I am pleased to report that the new board’s chair, members, and chief executive have made huge progress over the last year in developing the organisation and enabling it to support the sector. This meeting focused on its corporate governance and agreed on some additional support to improve the functioning of the NALC supported Joint Panel on Accountability and Governance (JPAG) and to update guidance to councillors on their role. It also considered progress with its digitisation project to assess whether this might be viable for annual returns. I am pleased that over 100 local councils have responded to SAAA’s earlier call for views.

Civility and Respect Workshop at SLCC Practitioners Conference 2024

Hazel Broatch, project manager for the Civility and Respect Project, delivered a presentation at the Society of Local Council Clerk’s (SLCC) Practitioners Conference in Warwickshire. Hazel provided attendees with updates on the progress made by the Civility and Respect Project, including encouraging all councils to join the 1,400 already signed up to the Civility and Respect pledge, followed by a question-and-answer session. You can find out more about the Civility and Respect Project, sign up to the pledge and access a wide range of resources on the dedicated project webpage.

Debates in Parliament

Last week, NALC briefed members of the House of Lords on two debates in Parliament. We were keen to highlight the key messages from our response to a Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) consultation on the protection of hedgerows and the challenges our councils have had with banking.
Regarding hedgerow protection:
• Calling for updating Schedule 1 of the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 with a clear, transparent, and more widely understood definition of a ‘protected hedgerow’ and ‘important hedgerow’
• Ensuring there is a greater understanding of land covered by the 1997 Hedgerow Regulations.
• Asking DEFRA to record ‘important’ hedgerows on subsidised agricultural holdings and clarify the definition of state-owned land.
• Calling for local councils to be consulted on the removal of protected hedgerows and have a recognised role in the future mapping/overseeing of important hedgerow
• Calling for the simplification of the system and removal of inconsistencies in hedgerow protection and enhancement.
On banking, this included:
• Highlighting challenges faced by our councils, such as an inability to complete mandate drawdowns for bank accounts, change of signatory problems, account closure threats, councillors being asked to go into bank branches 50 miles away to open accounts, and clerks being asked to produce financial evidence to confirm that their councillors had not been bankrupt
• Calling for improvements in the banking system for local councils, including a personal point of contact, a simpler and more responsive system recognition system for mandate changes, user-friendly online forms, and single, dual, or triple authorisation options.
• Advocating for clear passwords for telephone banking, real-time communication options, and a better understanding of local councils by banks.
• NALC has also developed a new banking webpage containing a range of resources for both local councils and banks.

Big Energy Saving Week

It was big energy saving week between 17 January and 23 January to raise awareness of making homes more energy efficient and getting the best deal possible from your energy supplier. The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) is urging eligible low income households across Great Britain to ensure they receive the £150 warm home discount by 29 February 2024. With over 3 million households at risk of fuel poverty, this vital support can make a significant difference in keeping homes warm during the colder months. While many automatically receive the discount, some customers in England and Wales may need to confirm their eligibility by calling the warm home discount helpline. Find out more information about the warm home discount. For more useful resources and information, visit NALC’s cost of living webpage.

And finally…

Local councils are invited to sign up for a free webinar on 28 February at 13:00. The webinar, hosted by the Community Interest Company Playing Out, will explore how outdoor play contributes to the happiness, health, and connectedness of both children and adults. The webinar will particularly focus on learnings and best practices gained from adapting the Play Streets model for areas of greater disadvantage.

NALC announces an exciting lineup of events for the first half of 2024/25 – News

NALC feature on the latest SLCC podcast – News

NALC publishes its quarterly activity report – News

Committees (nalc.gov.uk)

Mid Sussex Voluntary Action News

MSVA E-Bulletin 1 February 2024

East Grinstead Business Association February Events

East Grinstead Business Association

EGTC Council Tax Press Release

Mid Sussex District Council

Mid Sussex DC have confirmed the CCTV is up and running at the lower car park by the pavilion.  It is on a 15 second rotation on a 360 degree circle.  The camera is a temporary one until the permanent camera can be wired in.   This remains ongoing and will be completed as soon as possible.

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner News 26 January 2024

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner News – Online safety act

NHS Sussex News

NHS News 26 January 2024

South East Water

South East Water want your views on the services they provide to their vulnerable customers in your area.

South East Water is undertaking some important research about the provision of services and support they provide for their customers with circumstances that make them vulnerable. To help with that, they’re undertaking research to understand how satisfied you are as a key stakeholder.  Please see the link to the survey below:

 Start survey 

If you can’t see or click the button above, please copy and paste this link into your browser:

https://secure2.accent-mr.com/A2/3407.aspx?urn=TuliRy&dy=t

This study is being carried out on behalf of South East Water by Accent, an independent market research company. Accent has been working with the company for over five years now to help it understand what customers want from their water service.

The research is being conducted under the terms of the MRS code of conduct and is completely confidential. Your answers will remain anonymous and you will not be identified in the data Accent will pass back to South East Water. If you would like to confirm Accent’s credentials, please call the MRS free on 0800 975 9596.  This survey closes on Monday 19 February 2024.

CAGNE News

CAGNE aviation Town and Parish Council forum

CAGNE CAGNE 10th online AGM and ‘what do I say at the hearings’ briefing is 23rd February at 7pm.

House of Commons   – Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee

Disabled people in the housing sector inquiry – Levelling-Up Committee publishes evidence ahead of opening evidence session on Monday

The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee has today published written evidence submissions for its disabled people in the housing sector inquiry, ahead of opening public evidence session on Monday with disability, housing and planning experts (the full witness list is included below).

The written evidence published today includes evidence from a range of organisations including Disability Rights UK, Inclusion London, Housing Made for Everyone (HoME) coalition, and Habinteg, Propertymark, and the Chartered Institute of Building.

The written evidence submissions cover a range of issues relating to progress on mandating a minimum standard of accessible and adaptable dwellings for all new homes, developers incentives to build new accessible homes, references to disabled people in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and whether the maximum grant under the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) should be reviewed.

At Monday’s evidence session, the cross-party group of MPs are likely to question witnesses on a range of topics relating to disabled people’s experiences of finding suitable housing; the provision of support for disabled people to adapt their homes, including the DFG; and to what extent planning policy supports the delivery of accessible housing.

The inquiry is examining the role of Government, local councils and developers in ensuring the delivery of suitable housing for disabled people and what the Government can do to support disabled tenants in the private rented sector in England.

 

The Committee is also looking at the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and whether it ensures housebuilding complies with the Equality Act 2010. The inquiry is also  examining the progress made since the publication of the findings (in July 2022) of the Government’s consultation titled ‘Raising accessibility standards for new homes’.

Key questions for the inquiry are included in the full terms of reference which are listed in this news website item.

 

The Committee will also be looking at how far the Government can ensure it provides provision to support disabled residents who do not live in new build homes and whether the Disabled Facilities Grant supports housing adaptations.

 

The Committee recently launched an online survey for its inquiry looking at what Government can do to ensure disabled people have access to accessible and adaptable housing in England (see news item). The survey is designed to gather disabled people’s views and experiences of finding or adapting suitable housing. The closing date for responses is Thursday 15 February.

Evidence session – Monday 5 February, 16.00 Committee Room 15

Watch live on parliamentlive.tv

Witnesses:

From 16.00

·         Mikey Erhardt, Policy and Campaigns Officer, Disability Rights UK

·         Christina McGill, Co-Chair, HoME coalition (Housing Made for Everyone), Director of Social Impact and External Affairs, Habinteg Housing Association

·         Jacquel Runnalls, Co-opted Lead in Accessibility and Inclusive Design, Royal College of Occupational Therapist’s (RCOT) Specialist Section in Housing

From 17.00

·         Cllr Victor Chamberlain, Member of the Local Infrastructure & Net Zero Board, Local Government Association, and Leader of the Opposition (Liberal Democrats) on Southwark Council

·         Adrian Dobson, Executive Director Professional Knowledge and Standards, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

·         Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns, Propertymark

Sam Stafford, Planning Director, Home Builders Federation

 

Citizen Advice Survey

Citizens Advice West Sussex is looking to gain insights on how we can improve our services and better support our local community. 

We have created an online anonymous survey which can be accessed through the following link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/83CL92L  

The survey will take a few minutes to complete and your responses will be kept confidential. 

Gatcom News

WSCC – Post-16 Transport Policy Statement

West Sussex County Council asks for views each year about the Post-16 Transport Policy Statement. The consultation aims to make sure the information in the Policy Statement is up to date and complete.

The Policy Statement sets out the help that is available through the council, schools, colleges and transport operators for young people of sixth-form age and those who are 19+ with an Education Health and Care Plan to get to school or college.

A consultation is now open and available via this link and runs until 17 March 2024 . All responses will be considered before the council’s Post-16 Transport Policy statement is published at the end of May.

E-mail:Post16Travel@westsussex.gov.uk (www.westsussex.gov.uk/Post-16transport)

WSCC Plan and Budget proposals

Council plan and budget proposals endorsed by Cabinet

A revised council plan and a series of measures to ensure a balanced budget for the year ahead have been endorsed by the Cabinet of West Sussex County Council at a meeting today (Tuesday 30 January) at County Hall, Chichester. Following a public consultation, the Cabinet has confirmed its commitment to four key priority areas, underpinned by a cross cutting theme of ‘protecting the environment’. The priorities are: Keeping people safe in vulnerable situations A sustainable and prosperous economy Helping people and communities fulfil their potential Making best use of resources Leader of West Sussex County Council, Cllr Paul Marshall said: “We asked residents how they felt about our priorities, and we were reassured to see more than two thirds strongly agreed or tended to agree with our approach. We are therefore confident that our priorities are right, and they will continue to inform our decisions about how we use resources in the coming year. “Following the consultation, we are also proposing to continue with additional investment to areas our residents have told us are important, such as roads and highways and education and skills.” The council reported in July last year that it was looking at ways to close a £45m budget gap for the coming year (2024/25). Balancing the budget for the year ahead has been made even more challenging with the publication of the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement from central government. Cllr Jeremy Hunt, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, said: “Whilst the funding offered to us by government is welcome, unfortunately it remains a long way short of what we need in order to cover the cost of vital services for our residents. “A spiralling increase in demand and cost of services, particularly in social care, home to school transport, and funding the National Living Wage, has made preparing next year’s budget even more challenging. “In order to balance our budget, we have proposed budget reductions of £15.7m, a one off use of reserves, and an increase in core council tax of 2.99%, plus an additional adult social care precept of 2%. “We don’t put forward these proposals lightly, but our priority is to make best use of our limited resources and do all we can to protect essential front line services. “Our reserves are vital for managing the many risks and uncertainties we are facing next year, as well as our financial stability over the longer term. That is why we have plans in place to replenish any use of our Budget Management Reserve. “However, the lobbying we, and others, have undertaken over the last few weeks has resulted in government recognising the pressures we and others are facing and the additional funding they announced only last week is most welcome. We await the final settlement for confirmation, but it may mean we no longer need to rely on our reserves to balance next year’s budget.” The revised council plan and the proposed budget will now go before a meeting of the Full Council on Friday 16 February for a final decision. At Full Council, the proposals and any amendments put forward will be debated, followed by a vote. The budget proposals set out how the County Council is expected to spend £2 billion during 2024/25 on day-to-day services and £131.6m through capital investment into areas such as schools, highways, and the environment. After taking account of grants, fees and charges and other contributions, net revenue expenditure of £761.4m is expected. Part of the budget proposes to include an extra £81.9m in revenue spending on vital services including: an additional £31.2m for vulnerable children and young people, £18.3m more for adults’ social care, an extra £4m to maintain the county’s 4,000km of roads and £27.8m to manage increased costs as inflation levels remains high Cllr Paul Marshall added: “We know people in our communities, especially the most vulnerable, rely on our services and we will continue to do all we can to protect those services and invest in our county. “Alongside our MPs, we are committed to continuing to apply pressure to government to properly fund local government so we can deliver the vital services our residents, businesses, and local communities need and deserve.” You can find the agenda for Full Council and watch a live webcast of the meeting, or watch again at a later date, via our website www.westsussex.gov.uk. For latest news and information on the budget visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/Budget.

Sunnyside Barn Official Opening

Planning

West Sussex County Council Recycling Centre booking system information

We would like to inform you that from Monday 12th February, West Sussex residents will need to pre-book a timed slot to visit one of the 11 permanent West Sussex Recycling Centres. Slots can be booked on the same day or up to 14 days in advance, and are for either 15 or 30 minutes, depending on the site chosen.

The system has been in place at Bognor Regis, Crawley, Horsham, Littlehampton, Shoreham-By-Sea, and Worthing since 2021. The performance of the scheme was reviewed as part of the decision-making process for the extension. It showed that most sites with the scheme in place were diverting more materials to recycling, reducing the overall amount of waste being processed, and making the sites more efficient. Additionally, a recent customer satisfaction survey found that 96% of those asked, who have used the system, thought that it was either ‘excellent’ or ‘good.’

The booking system also ensures a steady flow of residents can access our Recycling Centres without the inconvenience of having to queue at peak times. More information can be found on our website We have also attached a copy of the postcard being handed out to residents at Recycling Centres, for your information.

Gas Network Upgrade – A22 Lewes Road East Grinstead

Information relating to planned upgrade of the gas network in East Grinstead.

 

‘Be a Councillor’ and make a difference in West Sussex

In May 2025 West Sussex County Council  will hold a whole-council election, as it does every four years, giving West Sussex residents the chance to vote for who will represent them on the council. So now is a good time to start thinking about whether you have what it takes to represent your local community and be a county councillor. People across West Sussex are being encouraged to consider putting themselves forward to stand for election as part of the nationwide ‘Be A Councillor’ campaign. Local councillors come from all walks of life and with varying backgrounds, experiences and family lives. Some have full time jobs or caring responsibilities, some choose to represent a political party, others stand as independents. The most important thing is a desire to make a difference for your community. The county council is organising a series of events across West Sussex for anyone wanting to find out more about what being a county councillor involves. The events provide an opportunity to talk to existing county councillors and learn more about what to do if you decide to stand for election. There’s no need to book and you can join us at any of these events taking place between February and June this year: 20 February: Crawley Library 5 March: Shoreham-by-Sea Library 21 March: Littlehampton Library 11 May: Worthing Library 16 May: Burgess Hill Library 5 June: Horsham Library 18 June: County Hall, Chichester (this event can also be joined virtually). You’ll find full details including times on our ‘Be A Councillor’ campaign page. ‘Rewarding experience’ West Sussex County Council Chairman Councillor Pete Bradbury said:  “Whatever your politics, there has never been a more important time to be a councillor and represent your local community. “The county council needs councillors who are keen, energetic and engaged, with a commitment to local people and a passion for good local services. It’s truly a rewarding experience. “Our work and the decisions we make help improve the lives of all of our residents as well as supporting businesses and communities across West Sussex. “There are challenges too of course, not least the current financial pressures we all face. New councillors will have much to learn but, as councillors, we all have access to training, support and guidance to help us get things done making the best of the resources we have. “If you would like to represent your community and make a difference in West Sussex, please come along to one of our events and find out more.”   More information The West Sussex County Council ‘Be A Councillor’ campaign page contains full information including eligibility to stand, the role of a county councillor, how to stand, and details of all drop-in events. Email democratic.services@westsussex.gov if you would like further information. Our Council Plan is West Sussex County Council’s plan and outlines the priorities and outcomes we want to achieve for people who live and work in West Sussex. Debate Not Hate is the national campaign to promote healthy debate and disagreement as part of democracy, while warning of the risks of abuse and intimidation.

MSDC Update -Parks Masterplan Mount Noddy East Grinstead

We are pleased to announce that the final designs have been completed, by our landscape architect Allen Scott for Mount Noddy, East Grinstead and we are now moving into the planning phase of the project.

Planning permission needs to be applied for due to the changes that are being made to the park, the planning application number is DM/24/0115.

If you would like to view a summary document of the plans, these can be viewed on the Councils Engagement Hub. https://engage.midsussex.gov.uk/mount-noddy-masterplan 

If you are unable to access the Engagement Hub or require any further information, please get in touch via parksopenspaces@midsussex.gov.uk.

Carol Beard

Communications & Projects Officer – Waste, Landscapes & Leisure

Free Half Term Playdays

West Sussex County Council News

WSCC Plan and budget 2024/25

Thank you to everyone who gave their views on Our Council Plan and proposals for the 2024/25 budget.

The responses we received highlighted your preferences including:

• increased funding in highways and transport
• an emphasis on community support and a sustainable economy
• a focus on achieving a balanced budget.

The results of the consultation have been considered by our Performance & Finance Scrutiny Committee and shared with Cabinet ahead of its meeting next Tuesday, 30 January.

Cabinet will review the refreshed Council Plan, the 2024/25 revenue budget and capital programme. Their recommendations will then proceed to Full Council, which takes place on Friday 16 February.

At Full Council, the proposals and any amendments proposed by other political groups will be presented and debated, followed by a vote.

You can find agendas for each meeting, watch the meeting webcast live or watch again at a later date in the links above.

Staying healthy in West Sussex

• Measles, mumps and rubella can be serious. Make sure your child is up to date with their MMR vaccinations. Older children and adults who haven’t had both doses of the vaccine could be at risk. Two doses are needed for lifelong protection – it’s never too late to catch up! Book an appointment with your GP.
• Take part in our Your Health Matters survey for the chance to win a cash prize! Tell us about your health and wellbeing to help us improve services in the future. The survey will be sent by post to a random selection of residents. If you do receive a survey, please fill it in and return it by 4 March.
• Children’s Mental Health Week runs from 5 to 11 February. Help empower the children and young people in your life. We have resources available that can help you support them with their emotional wellbeing and mental health – visit Your Mind Matters.
• If you’re looking to lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle, Gro Health is a free digital weight management service that offers personalised support for up to 12 months.

NALC News

NALC launches new banking webpage to help address local council concerns – News

Government informs NALC of Section 137 expenditure limit for 2024/25 – News

NALC welcomes parish exclusion from referendum principles – News

NALC secures exclusive discount to access the Green Book    – News

Winter safety and risk management tips for councils  – News (nalc.gov.uk)

Chief executive’s bulletin 25 January 2024 Jo Cox Foundation report of Civility Commission  As you will have read in the open letter by NALC’s chair, Cllr Keith Stevens, promoting civility and respect is among his key priorities. One of the many organisations we have been engaging with over the last year is the Jo Cox Foundation and their Civility Commission looking at abuse and intimidation of elected representatives. I was pleased that NALC was invited to meet with the Commission to brief them on our Civility and Respect Project and the challenges our local (parish and town) councils face. The Foundation’s chief executive Su Moore joined our excellent meeting of the National Assembly in November to give an update on the Commission and its emerging proposals. This is why I was pleased to see our work and many of the issues we raised reflected in the Commission’s report launched in Parliament on 24 January, which NALC was at. The report is a call to action to promote “debate not hate” in local and central government, stressing that abuse and intimidation have no place in politics and have detrimental effects on democracy in the UK. In particular, it was good to see the report highlight our work including the Civility and Respect Pledge. The report sets out 28 recommendations for different sectors covering political literacy, social media and the media, police and security, Parliaments, local government, elections and political parties. In terms of the next steps, we’ll be considering the report in more detail and continuing to work with the Commission on taking the recommendations forward, including through our Civility and Respect Project. Activity report  This week, we published our quarterly activity report covering October to December 2023. The quarterly activity report details progress in delivering NALC’s strategic plan, including information on internal issues, parliamentary and government affairs work, events, finances, media coverage, publications and legal advice. This quarter’s report summarises the organisation’s strategic direction and significant milestones during the reporting period. Key highlights include NALC’s new councillor leadership and committee membership team, The Community Ownership Fund, Star Council Awards 2023 and parliamentary reception, and County association engagements. The subsequent report will cover January to March 2024, which we will publish in April 2024. On the blog: GoCollaborate on neighbourhood planning  This week’s blog from GoCollaborate and PlanSupport discusses digital engagement in neighbourhood planning. In recent years, the integration of digital tools and platforms has arguably helped revolutionise the way neighbourhood planning is conducted, fostering greater inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency. In this blog post, the authors share tips for successful digital engagement in neighbourhood planning in practice. Read the blog to find out more! NALC launches latest suite of online events  Following a bumper year again for NALC’s online events where most events sold out and with positive feedback, I’m delighted we’ve just published our online events for the April to September 2024 period here. These sessions cover themes of local government finance, climate change, artificial intelligence and neighbourhood plans. Bookings have already started to come in, so do join them and book here. New NALC banking webpage launched  In response to numerous complaints from local councils regarding various challenges of dealing with high street banks – such as a lack of understanding about what local councils are or do, issues with online banking, extended wait times for telephone banking, and difficulties in completing mandate forms over the last few years – we’ve launched a new banking web page. The page is designed to shed light on the complex banking environment within which local councils operate, addressing prevalent banking issues and their likely causes. It also outlines advocacy undertaken by NALC and other organisations in the sector in recent years. The web page features essential information such as contact details, initiatives involving engaged banks, relevant resource links, a summary of NALC’s 2020 banking research, a specific note for high street banks defining the roles of local councils, and updates on relevant news stories. We’ll keep the webpage and resources updated and continue engaging with UK Finance (the trade association for banks), high street banks and other organisations. NALC Policy Committee NALC’s Policy Committee held its first meeting of the year on 23 January via Zoom, highlights include: A motion was adopted from the Yorkshire Local Councils Associations (YLCA) asking NALC to lobby for the Fire and Rescue Service to be statutory consultees for the development of Battery Energy Storage System sites of one megawatt or greater. Another motion from YLCA supported was urging NALC to lobby the government for a change in national planning policy to make it mandatory for local planning authorities to engage with affected local councils regarding formal pre-application discussions for major developments. A third motion from the Dorset Association of Local Councils was also agreed, requesting NALC to lobby the government for changes to planning policy guidance to improve consistency between Conservation’s adherence to less effective standards and Building Regulation’s requirements for environmental and energy-efficient insulation methods and materials, whilst respecting the value of listed buildings. Councillors discussed a proposed draft work programme for the next two years aimed at delivering the priorities of National Assembly; this is being updated to reflect feedback from the committee before then being considered by our Management Board. Shelley Parker, policy and external affairs manager, Society of Local Council Clerks and Charlene Slade, chief executive officer at the Essex Association of Local Councils, were co-opted to the committee for 2024/25. The committee were joined by Samantha Banks, neighbourhood planning programme manager at Locality who gave a presentation covering neighbourhood planning, the government funded support programme including grant and technical support, toolkits and resources available, the advice service, quarterly newsletter and closer working with NALC. As I know the support programme is vital in helping our local councils develop their neighbourhood plans, it is good the Committee agreed to write to the government urging long-term continuation of support for neighbourhood planning.   NALC/LGA corporate peer challenge   NALC works closely with the Local Government Association (LGA) on the joint corporate peer challenge scheme for our largest councils. Peer challenges help larger councils benchmark themselves against similar councils and identify what they are doing well and how they can improve. So far, Chippenham, Falmouth, Cirencester, and Morecombe have benefited from the corporate peer challenge. Cirencester Town Council had its peer challenge in November 2022, which I was pleased to be part of! They have now published the results of their recent follow-up review, and I am glad to report the team noted that good progress had been made on their action plan, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to improvement. A national programme of further peer challenges is being drawn up, and I will keep you informed of opportunities to get involved. Fortnightly meeting with county association officers  This week’s meeting of NALC and county association officers focussed on the new model and template contracts of employment that were recently released. We were joined by NALC’s national HR partners Worknest who updated us on key changes to employment law in recent years and how that impacted changes to those documents. If your council is hiring a new member of staff and would like assistance in putting together their contracts of employment then please do contact your county association who will be able to help, either through local arrangements or the national HR advisory service. Updated legal guidance We have updated Legal Topic Note 87 on procurement with the new public procurement thresholds that took effect on 1 January 2024 and are updated every other year. The thresholds apply to public works, public services and public supply contracts. You can find the updated guidance in the members area of the NALC website (login required). NALC National Network: LGBT+ councillors  NALC’s national network for LGBT+ councillors held its first meeting of the year on 22 January. The network aims to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues and improve the visibility of the community in the sector. The network shared events their councils will be holding in February to celebrate LGBT+ History Month – please email policycomms@nalc.gov.uk and let us know what your council is doing to highlight LGBT+ History Month. Also, the network began planning for Pride month, and discussed how NALC’s new website section for the group could better reflect the network’s aims and priorities for 2024. If you haven’t joined the network and would like to attend, you can sign up here. And finally…  Back in October 2023 at the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) annual conference, our chair, Cllr Keith Stevens, took part in their podcast series, speaking about how NALC works and how he uses his role to promote the work of, and campaign for, England’s 10,000 local councils. The episode featuring Keith has recently been published, so do check it out.

Gatcom News

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner News

NHS Sussex News

NHS Sussex News January 2024

Information from Sussex Police

Information provided by Leah Greenwood, Exploitation Co-ordinator, Sussex Police.

Rural Market Town Group

Rural Market Town Group Round Up January 2024

Rural Bulletin

Rural Bulletin 23 January 2024

Planning

NALC News

Open letter: Promoting and supporting the first tier of local government

NALC gives evidence to parliamentary inquiry on the Office for Local Government   – News

NALC launches the Local Council Award Scheme criteria review consultation – News

Ensuring no one is left behind as UK landlines go digital  – News (nalc.gov.uk)

Committees (nalc.gov.uk)

Chief executive’s bulletin 18 January 2024 Access the Green Book with exclusive NALC discount   I’m pleased to announce that NALC has agreed with the Local Government Association (LGA) a 15% discount for the first year’s subscription to its Employer Link service. In December, NALC launched the new model and template contracts of employment for local (parish and town) councils. We recommend local councils align terms and conditions with the best practices outlined in the rest of the local government sector, as defined by the Green Book. NALC produced the new documents to aid understanding of those terms and their application within councils. To help local councils understand and be fully aware of all the terms contained in the Green Book, a subscription fee is required to access this information. All local councils can sign up to the LGA’s Employer Link service, which includes access to the Green Book and other employment advice and guidance. NALC has agreed with the LGA to a 15% discount on the first year (usual price £468) using the code NALC15. Holocaust Memorial Day  Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) will take place on 27 January. Recognised as the International Day of Remembrance for victims of the Holocaust and those affected by more recent genocides, the event is commemorated annually on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. HMD seeks to educate, commemorate, and inspire action against discrimination and hatred in our communities. The theme for HMD 2024, “Fragility of Freedom,” reflects on the vulnerability of freedom to abuse. Throughout the UK, activities are organised each year to observe HMD, with over three-quarters of councils participating in 2023. HMD invites councils to partake in the Light the Darkness National Moment on 27 January at 8 pm, during which individuals nationwide will light candles and place them safely in their windows as a symbolic stand against present-day prejudice and hatred. To assist local organisations, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust provides valuable advice, guidance, and free resources, including a ‘Getting Involved Guide’ for councils. Additionally, an interactive map allows local organisations to share their events. For inquiries, please contact enquiries@hmd.org.uk. I would be grateful if councils could share this information as appropriate. D-Day 80th Anniversary Commemorations  6 June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. A series of commemorations will be held throughout the country, including many organised by local councils. Helpfully, the organisers of the commemorations have produced a guide on how to take part, and this can be accessed, along with many other resources, via their website.  They are also keen to encourage as many locations as possible to take part in the Lamp Light of Peace and for those with relatives who were involved in D-Day or the Second World War to purchase a pin badge in commemoration. On the blog: Clear Councils Insurance on winter safety and risks  This week’s blog, from NALC’s partners Clear Councils Insurance, is all about winter safety and risk management tips for councils. It identifies various challenges posed by winter, these include hazards on roads, car parks, walkways, and buildings due to ice, snow, storms, and floods. The blog post provides tips for dealing with winter conditions, such as increasing property inspections, protecting against slips and trips, and safeguarding staff working outdoors. Also, the blog provides a winter checklist for councils covering equipment plans, task responsibilities, snow removal procedures, and communication plans with the community. Read the blog to find out more! Forthcoming consultation on Martyn’s Law Cllr Keith Stevens, NALC’s chair, sets out in his recent open letter how our growing range of partnerships and work with representative bodies such as the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) are among his priorities for the next two years. One important issue we are working together on is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Draft Bill – also known as Martyn’s Law – where we have so far set up a steering group to inform and shape our work, held a joint online event to explain what the proposed legislation means for our councils, and engagement with government and other organisations. Last year, NALC made representations to Parliament’s Home Affairs Committee, which conducted pre-legislative of the bill and whose final report reflected many concerns we and SLCC highlighted. The government has not yet responded to the Committee’s report – which was expected by the end of September – however, there is a planned further consultation on the standard tier part of the bill. I wanted to provide advance notice of this, as many councils may wish to respond, in addition to submissions by NALC and SLCC. We met with Home Officials last week, who briefed us on the upcoming consultation. Although they indicated that the consultation is imminent, the exact timing is unclear on whether it will be in the coming days or weeks! The consultation is anticipated to last for six weeks and will involve answering around 10 questions online. At this stage, both NALC are SLCC are suggesting councils consider setting an agenda item at upcoming meetings in preparation. We are keeping in touch with the Home Office and will let you know as soon as the consultation is published. Rural Coalition  The Rural Coalition held its first meeting of the year on 17 January focussing on its priority this year of making the economic case for rural, linked to the Coalition’s roadmap published last July. We were pleased to be joined by colleagues from Pragmatix who have been commissioned to undertake this work which will present a clearer narrative of the potential for economic growth and pull together a number of existing studies, reports and data into a coherent economic narrative. We were also pleased to be joined by a senior official from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who provided an update on ministerial changes and their emerging priorities, the forthcoming rural report and the Rural England Prosperity Fund. Other issues discussed included the local government finance settlement where we briefed colleagues on our response, the development of manifestos by Coalition members and plans to engage with the political parties and the new report by the Co-operative Party on community ownership. CPRE – The countryside charity  One of our key partners on the Rural Coalition is the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), so it was good to meet with their new chief executive, Roger Mortlock, last week to discuss areas of mutual interest. These included progress with producing updated resources on planning such as responding to planning applications, possible guidance on stewardship of green spaces and promoting good practice on rural buses. We agreed to keep in touch as we approach a General Election, as there are many shared policy positions that we would like to see included in party manifestos and for the new government to address to benefit rural areas. NALC response to Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2024-25  NALC has welcomed the government’s decision to exclude local councils from council tax referendum principles for the 2024-5 financial year. In our response to the government’s consultation on the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2024-25, we have highlighted that in many cases, the precept is the sole means for local councils to raise funds for community projects in their areas, and they must continue to retain the flexibility to increase investment in their areas while maintaining financial prudence. Our response also calls for direct access to government grant funding, building on the welcome extension of the Community Ownership Fund, and reiterates our call for the standards regime to be strengthened as behavioural issues can lead to additional costs for councils and their taxpayers. Read the full response here. Banking campaign meeting with Barclays Cllr Keith Stevens, NALC’s chair, attended an online meeting with SLCC colleagues and the Barclays Know Your Customer team on 11 January 2024. Several previously reported technical issues have been addressed, and Barclays have also ring-fenced the known accounts experiencing persistent issues. Barclays maintains its standing advice, urging prompt responses from local councils to their letters from the bank and is exploring providing NALC and SLCC with a recommended response local councils can use. Also, Barclays will release a statement explaining the issue and how it was resolved, along with helpful links to relevant pages on their website. While waiting times for phone calls have apparently decreased significantly on average, Barclays acknowledges this has been a big problem for them and local council customers. During the meeting, Keith emphasised the banking issues faced by some local councils and Barclays have committed to providing us with details for who we should liaise with at Barclays regarding these issues. NALC National Network: LGBT+ Councillors  NALC’s National Network for LGBT+ councillors will hold its first session of the year online on 22 January. The agenda includes a discussion of NALC’s new website and the potential content based on the preferences of the network, the type of events the network would find valuable, and how the network would like NALC to participate in Pride month. If you want to join next week’s meeting but have not yet signed up for the network, you can sign up here. And finally…  As part of our ongoing digital transformation projects, we are developing a new website to be launched in 2024! We’re inviting county associations, councillors and clerks to register their interest to be the first to explore and refine the new website, which we want to be at the heart of how we provide services and information to councils and county associations. The testing will involve completing tasks to test the new website’s capabilities. To register your interest, please complete our short form, and we’ll be in touch on the next steps.

Mid Sussex Applauds 2024 Award Information

Nominations are now open for Mid Sussex Applauds 2024 

The Mid Sussex Applauds Awards are back for 2024 and are looking for nominations to help celebrate the fantastic work of individuals, groups and businesses across the district. 

Through eight distinct categories, the Awards seek to recognise our connections and celebrate our community.  Now in its fourth year, the Awards are a chance to celebrate the heroes in the local community who do so much to make Mid Sussex such a special place to live and work. Help to give local residents the recognition they truly deserve by nominating today! 

The Awards range from recognising young people who go the extra mile, to climate champions, those who help support diversity and inclusion, and others who work to bring communities together. The aim is to highlight all our community VIPs.  

Councillor Alison Bennett, Deputy Leader at Mid Sussex District Council, said: “As we launch the Mid Sussex Applauds Awards for 2024, I encourage everyone to reflect on the unsung heroes among us, the groups, individuals, societies, and organisations who are essential in making Mid Sussex great.  

“Take some time to nominate these fantastic groups and individuals and join us in giving them the recognition they deserve.” 

The award categories for 2024 are – Volunteer of the Year, Community Project of the Year, Young Hero of the Year, Business in the Community, Community for All Award, Environment and Climate Champion, Community Hero of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Residents are urged to get their nominations in before midnight on February 18, by visiting https://www.midsussexapplauds.co.uk/nominations.html

West Sussex County Council Budget 2024/25 information

Thank you to everyone who gave us their views on Our Council Plan and proposals for the 2024/25 budget.

The county council remains committed to doing all we can to protect and invest in vital services across West Sussex. This can be seen in the budget papers which describe the significant levels of funding being committed to the critical services the County Council continues to provide to meet the priorities in the Council Plan.

We asked for views on our priorities, the services we deliver and where you would prefer us to invest money, and how best to achieve a balanced budget.

• More than 3,300 residents, staff and partners responded.
• 68.2% of respondents agreed with Our Council Plan priorities for keeping people safe from vulnerable situations, a sustainable and prosperous economy, helping people and communities fulfil their potential and making best use of resources underpinned by the cross-cutting theme of protecting the environment.
• 37% of respondents disagreed with the where the council spends its money, compared to 28% who agreed, 32% neither agreed or disagreed.
• The service area most commonly selected across all respondents for increased funding was highways and transport. More on our Better Roads programme.
• The service area most commonly selected to decrease funding was finance and property, followed by adults’ social care (including Public Health).
• Highways and transport, and fire and rescue and community support (including libraries) were areas least selected to decrease spending on.
• The services used the most by respondents over the last 12 months were waste services, such as household waste and recycling centres, followed by rights of way, footpaths, cycleways or country parks and libraries and archive services.

Council Leader Councillor Paul Marshall said:

“Thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to have their say in our consultation on Our Council Plan and budget proposals.

“WSCC spends over £2bn per annum to ensure our residents, communities and businesses receive the services and support they need and deserve. Our budget proposals show once again how committed the County Council is to the funding and delivery of services that are so important for the residents and businesses across the County. I hope that everyone takes the opportunity to look at where council tax money is being spent and to see also how we are making sure it is spent where it is most needed and can make most difference for our communities.

“We want to be able to continue to do this but must ensure we receive the funding necessary to deliver our services. We will continue to ensure we receive what the people of West Sussex deserve.

“In the context of the cost pressures we’re facing, not least in adults’ and children’s services, we are currently doing well to balance our overall budget while retaining our focus on services that support vulnerable people and investment in areas that help us to deliver the priorities in Our Council Plan.

“Our current financial position is challenging but, we have been able to put forward proposals which will achieve a balanced budget for the year ahead while we protect frontline services and rise to the need to fund the additional demands they face.

“Following the news from Government’s announcement about local government funding in late December, the Cabinet will be recommending a 4.99% Council Tax increase to ensure it can continue to deliver its vital services

“We have outlined this position to our MPs in West Sussex, something our survey showed our residents wanted us to do.

“Backed by your response to our consultation, we are calling on our representatives at Westminster to lobby the government to provide additional funding to address the pressures we are facing for 2025/26 and onwards.”

Cllr Jeremy Hunt, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property added: “Despite robust financial management over many years, ensuring that  we have a financially sound and balanced budget in place is getting ever more challenging, which is why we are needing to increase Council Tax as well as dipping into our reserves. Despite these challenges we are still proposing a budget that continues to deliver for the residents, businesses and communities of West Sussex, but we need support from our local MPs to ensure that Government listens to the needs of our county if those services are to be sustainable.”

Next steps:

The county council’s Performance & Finance Scrutiny Committee will consider the proposals and consultation responses at its meeting on Wednesday 24 January.

The committee will provide its comments to Cabinet ahead of its meeting on Tuesday 30 January. Cabinet will review the refreshed Council Plan, 2024/25 revenue budget and capital programme to approve them for recommendation to Full Council on Friday 16 February.

At Full Council, the proposals and any amendments proposed by other political groups will be presented and debated, followed by a vote.

You can find agendas for each meeting, watch the meeting webcast live or watch again at a later date via the links above.

For latest news and information on our budget visit https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/Budget

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner News

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner News

Gatcom News

 

Rural News Bulletin

Rural News Bulletin 16 January 2024

Planning

MSDC Planning Policy Consultations

Submission Draft Mid Sussex District Plan 2021-2039: Regulation 19

Submission Draft Mid Sussex District Plan 2021-2039: Regulation 19

This consultation is open from 12 Jan 2024 at 08:00 to 23 Feb 2024 at 23:59.

Mid Sussex Consultation Submission Draft District Plan 2021-2039 (Regulation 19)
January 2024

Mid Sussex District Council has published a submission draft District Plan 2021-2039 for consultation from the 12th January, closing 23:59 on the 23rd February 2024.

The Mid Sussex District Plan 2014-2031 was adopted in March 2018. In accordance with legislation and national policy, Local Plans must be reviewed every five years and updated as necessary. The adopted District Plan commits the Council to reviewing the Plan with submission to the Secretary of State in 2023. The submission draft District Plan 2021-2039 is published for Regulation 19 consultation which is the first formal stage in its preparation.

The draft Mid Sussex District Plan 2021-2039 reviews and updates the adopted vision and strategic objectives while implementing a revised strategy to guide growth during the plan period. It provides updated and new policies to ensure that the Plan remains effective and in accordance with National Policy. It also includes new housing allocations to meet identified housing needs. The drafting of the Plan is supported by a proportionate, up-to-date and robust evidence base available alongside the consultation documents.

All of the consultation documents can be viewed on the Regulation 19 Consultation webpage at https://midsussex.inconsult.uk/districtplanreg19/. Supporting evidence is accessible from this webpage.

At Regulation 19, responses must follow the format required by the Planning Inspectorate and be framed around the Tests of Soundness and legal compliance. Responses can be submitted online using the above link, this is the easiest way to respond to the consultation and will facilitate the processing of responses. Detailed guidance on how to respond to this consultation is available on that page.

All responses made through the consultation will be collated by the District Council and submitted to the independent Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State alongside the submission District Plan, statutory documentation and full evidence base.

For any queries, please visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/districtplan or contact the Planning Policy team on planningpolicy@midsussex.gov.uk or by telephone (01444) 477053

Participate in this consultation

This consultation will be considered by the EGTC Planning Committee on 31 January 2024.  Councillors please send any comments to Chair of planning leader, Cllr Mockford or the clerk as the consultation group requires comments by 22 January to allow the paper to be compiled for the planning committee to sign off. Thank you. 

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner News

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner News

NALC News

How local councils can benefit from the levelling up agenda 31 January 2024 — 12.00 – 13.15 The levelling up agenda has been a hot topic recently, with many questions about what it means, which areas it applies to, and which sectors will benefit. Local (parish and town) councils are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the levelling up agenda, but they need to be prepared for the challenges that come with devolution. This event will explain how local councils can survive and thrive in a devolved environment by taking on assets, liabilities, and services from their principal authority. You will learn about the benefits and challenges of devolution and hear from experts on how to make the most of the opportunities presented by the levelling-up agenda. Join us to understand better how local councils can benefit from the levelling up agenda and what steps they need to take to prepare for devolution. You will hear from speakers with experience in local government and councils successfully navigating the devolution process. They will share their understandings, best practices, and lessons learned, giving you a helpful perspective on succeeding in a devolved environment. Speakers: Adam Hawksbee (Onward), Sophie Hosking, (Cornwall Council) and Cllr Carl Les (North Yorkshire Council)

 

 

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NALC and SLCC leadership teams mark the launch of the new model contract of employment for local councils

Local councils successfully secure £4.5 million from the Community Ownership Fund

Chief executive’s bulletin Happy new year and open letter from NALC’s chair  A very happy new year to you and yours! And what a year in prospect as 2024 is set to be the biggest election year in history. Countries with more than half the world’s population – over four billion people – will be going to the polls. Hyper-local democracy is the very foundation of our movement, which, as our chair, Cllr Keith Stevens, sets out in his open letter, has so much to contribute to making local communities across the country stronger and able to address so many of the challenges we face today. Keith’s latest open letter also thanks everyone in the sector, congratulates all councillors elected in last year’s main round of local elections, reflects on several achievements over the last year, and highlights his priorities for the next two years. Do check it out! Community Ownership Fund  Nineteen local councils, including Anston Parish Council (Kent), Clun Town Council (Shropshire), and St Neots Town Council (Cambridgeshire), have collectively secured around £4.5 million from the Community Ownership Fund during the third round of the second window. The initiative – which NALC lobbied successfully to be extended to applications from our councils – supports communities in preserving, enhancing, or reviving local assets like libraries, halls, pubs, and nature reserves. Keith has rightly applauded the successful response and emphasised the need for broader funding opportunities for our sector. Round three of the fund launched in May 2023 and the current funding window is open until 31 January 2024 and I would encourage you to apply for funding before the window closes! Management Board  Our new Management Board of eleven councillors from across the country elected by the National Assembly held their first meeting of the year this week which included their induction into the role. In addition, they had an initial discussion of some of the barriers, risks and challenges that potentially impact on the effectiveness of our sector, which NALC should be addressing in its work and support for councils and county associations. They also began work on identifying their work programme for the next two years and how individual members of the board could help. NALC gives evidence to Parliamentary inquiry on the Office for Local Government This week, we submitted written evidence to a Parliamentary committee conducting an inquiry into the Office for Local Government (OFLOG). In our response to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, we have again called for an extension of OFLOG’s remit to include local councils. Local councils, as the first tier of local government in England, are responsible for spending nearly £1 billion of council tax on a wide range of hyper-local services, as well as having a wider community leadership and place-shaping role. Our response also proposes a range of data themes which OFLOG should publish on local councils, propose piloting with some larger local councils, and highlight the need for investment in sector improvement. Consultation on creating Whitstable Town Council Huge congratulations to Whitstable’s CT5 People’s Forum for progressing their town council campaign. Canterbury City Council has now initiated a Community Governance Review (CGR) for Whitstable, exploring the establishment of a town council, and is seeking public input. The review must be completed by December 2024, with public consultation starting in January 2024 and the final recommendations published before the deadline. The first stage responses will be considered by the committee and council in April. Read the brochure for more information. NALC and colleagues at the Kent Association of Local Councils will be continuing to provide support to the campaign through the next steps of the process. Joint Panel on Accountability and Governance  The Joint Panel on Accountability and Governance met on 4 December to agree the final changes to the Practitioners Guide for 2024/5. There will be some changes to best practice guidance related to internal audit that we will provide more information on when the guide is published in March. Upcoming online events  Last year, NALC’s monthly online events program was consistently well-received, featuring impactful and relevant topics closely aligned with the interests of local councils and NALC’s work. 100% of respondents said that in the final event of 2023, winning strategies for the funding game, they felt fully engaged throughout the event and that they would recommend NALC’s online events to others. This year, we have many exciting events kicking off with How local councils can benefit from the levelling up agenda on 31 January, The good, the bad, and the ugly of social media in the local council sector on 28 February, and Reconnecting communities through community transport on 27 March. Come to the January event to learn the opportunities and challenges associated with the levelling up agenda and to gain insights on surviving and thriving in a devolved environment by acquiring assets, liabilities, and services from principal authorities. The February event will cover the advantages and challenges of using social media for local councils and provides tools for creating a social media policy that fosters civility and respect. And the March online event will highlight the importance of community transport for local councils and offers insights on establishing partnerships and funding opportunities to make a positive impact on local transport. Find out more about these events and register your place. On the blog: BT Consumer  This week’s blog is from BT Consumer, which discusses the transition of landline phone technology from analogue to digital, led by BT in the UK. The shift aims to address the increasing unreliability of the decades-old analogue network. BT is introducing its new home phone service, Digital Voice, with improved call quality and enhanced protection against scam calls. The rollout is happening region by region, and by December 2025, most calls are expected to be made over broadband lines. The blog outlines the rollout schedule, emphasising that customers will be contacted in advance and provided support during the transition. You can visit BT’s Digital Voice website to find out more. County officer fortnightly meeting The first meeting of the year between NALC and county officers took place this week on 10 January. We were pleased to be joined by the government’s Parish Council Domains Helper Service who provided an update on their project to encourage more local councils to adopt gov.uk domain names, which NALC fully supports. They ran through the benefits of using a gov.uk domain name, the barriers to councils taking them up and their work to overcome them. There will be updates in future bulletins as this work progresses including more information and support for councils. The meeting also updated county officers on the review of Local Council Award Scheme criteria, the future work programme for our fortnightly meetings throughout 2024, and our current surveys about NALC’s Star Council Awards. Corporate peer challenge review meeting Our member services team along with colleagues from the Local Government Association (LGA) met with Cirencester and Morecambe town councils recently to review their experience of taking part in our joint corporate peer challenge programme. Corporate peer challenge forms part of the commitment to improvement in the local council sector and is open to all super councils. Both councils had an incredibly positive experience of taking part and saw the challenge as an important component of their drive to continue improving as councils. The meeting also identified ways in which the corporate peer challenge process can be further developed. Local Government Association appoints new chief executive As colleagues know, we work closely with the LGA including on our joint corporate peer challenge programme. The LGA represents the interests of 315 of the 317 principal councils (district, county, metropolitan, and unitary authorities along with London boroughs). This week they announced the appointment of their new chief executive, Joanna Killian, who is currently chief executive of Surrey County Council. We wish Joanna well in her new role and I look forward to working with her. Consultation on Local Council Awards Scheme criteria   NALC has launched a consultation as part of the Local Council Award Scheme (LCAS) Criteria Review taking place this year. As part of continued improvements to the scheme and a commitment to raising standards in local councils, we are seeking views on improving the criteria and guidance for the scheme. We want clerks, councillors, county associations, other interested parties, and those already involved with the scheme to put forward ideas and suggestions by taking part in the consultation. Your views will then help inform our improvements moving forward. The LCAS Consultation 2024 survey will be open until Friday 29 March. Further information on the scheme including the guide, can be found on the scheme webpage or if you have any queries, contact Lisa Etchell, projects officer at LocalCouncilAwardScheme@nalc.gov.uk. And finally… In this bumper year of elections, I would encourage you to have a listen to Baroness Louise Casey’s excellent BBC Radio 4 series on challenges facing the next general election winner. She identified five major social policy issues and asked what we need from government, at all levels, to make things work better. These issues included cohesion, children in care, hunger, and rough sleeping, which are problems that our sector undoubtedly can play a part in helping address. As NALC has recently been accredited as a White Ribbon organisation, I was pleased that her fifth big issue, discussed on 4 January, was the issue of men’s violence against women and children. She highlighted the importance of institutions of all levels, “from parish councils through to the prime minister” to take accountability for acting against such violence. Her final programme on 5 January concluded with a call to action: “Britain can be fixed, but those who govern us at all levels must step up.” I am sure this message is relevant to our 10,000 local councils who Keith praises for continually stepping up in his open letter, and I am sure you will want to reflect on this in 2024.

Rural Services Network

Rural Services Network Bulletin January 2023

Gatcom News

Queen Victoria Hospital

Please see the attached letter to East Grinstead Town Council from Jackie Smith, Chair and James Lowell, CEO at Queen Victoria Hospital regarding the next step in their strategy development journey.  We expect James Lowell to attend the next Public Services meeting.

West Sussex County Council News

Forward Plan of Key Decisions published

A new version of the Forward Plan (published 9 January 2024) has been published and is available on the WSCC our website.

The Plan has been republished in order to:  In the Highways and Transport portfolio: add a new decision – Highways and Transport Delivery Programmes 2024-2025 – February 2024.

County council’s domestic abuse support service celebrates 20-year anniversary

This year Worth Services is proudly celebrating 20 years of supporting victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse in West Sussex. Since the service opened on 4 January 2004, it has supported over 25,000 adults and young people and worked in partnership with Childrens and Adult Social Care as well as other agencies, including My Sister’s House, Hersana, Switchboard and Sussex Police, to hold perpetrators of domestic abuse to account for their harmful behaviours. On a weekly basis the service receives an average of 100 referrals and at any one time they are supporting over 700 victim-survivors. Worth started its journey based out of Worthing Hospital with two members of staff responding to victim-survivors who were attending the hospital and in need of vital support to get away from their abusive situations. Over the last 20 years the service has grown considerably and currently has 43 members of specialist frontline staff and supporting managers who are located across a variety of teams and locations across the council and beyond, which includes the Family Safeguarding Team, Housing Options and Acute Hospital Sites. Councillor Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults Services said: “Keeping people safe from vulnerable situations is one of the county council’s four strategic priorities. Domestic abuse is something that is hidden within society, and it is reassuring to know that our very own Worth Services has been standing side by side with victims in West Sussex for the past 20 years, giving them much needed help and guidance, all whilst ensuring that the voice of the victim as well as their children, remains at the centre of the support. “Alongside this vital work, the service also delivers free comprehensive specialist domestic abuse training to all professionals in West Sussex, helping them to increase their confidence in the response to domestic and sexual violence and abuse. Our frontline workers are perfectly placed to see the signs and contributing factors and without this training there would be many people still experiencing abuse without any end in sight. “There is absolutely no excuse for abuse, so if you, or someone you know, is a victim, please do not hesitate to contact Worth – they are there to listen and offer support and advice to help keep residents safe.” Throughout 2024, Worth Services will be holding events to celebrate all of their achievements, including their 20 year milestone, and these will be shared on the County Council’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Facebook and Twitter pages. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, and you’re ready to reach out for support, you can call Worth’s central duty phoneline between 9am and 5pm, Monday – Friday on 0330 222 8181.

West Sussex Mind