Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.
Planning
WSALC & ESALC Newsletter
The WSALC and ESALC Boards have launched the first Summer edition of a new quarterly newsletter.
It would be great to hear any feedback you may have on the newsletter or any ideas/articles for inclusion in future editions. If you have any inspiring stories from your council that you would like to share, please let us know!
The Citizens Advice partnership between West Sussex and Arun and Chichester work to support local residents and give them the help they need, when they need it. Read on for our latest service updates, upcoming opportunities, and news on legal or other changes which you may find of interest.
Benefit advice is the biggest issue affecting our cilent’s at the moment , we do expect there will be an increase during the year with Universal Managed Migration rollout. We will issue regular updates on this as it progresses. We have seen a 51% increase in Debt compared with last year and an 18% increase in Housing problems.We are currently researching the impact of disability benefits on residents to inform local and national thinking, please get in touch if you have reports you can share or would like to take part in our research .
Our Benefits Calculator has been used by nearly 5,000 people in the last year. As a result, it identified that over £800,000 of unclaimed benefits.
We can use the Benefit calculator to identify trends, with the most under claimed support being Council Tax Single resident discount and benefits. Please join us in promoting awareness of this and encourage people to access help that is available.
We are asking community leaders to join us to become information champions in Crawley. Our team will train advocates in communities on key information issues so they can help their community and sign post to appropriate services.
Following recent funding, we have recruited a link worker to support Chaggosian nationals with identifying the support needed and connecting with local services including our specialist advisor based in Crawley.
SEND Webinars
Children and young people may be missing out on DLA or PIP which is a non-means tested benefit. It is not dependent on having an EHCP but this webinar can help families and carers to understand more about what is available and how to claim.
The household support fund will continue to support financially vulnerable clients who can demonstrate they need assistance with energy related help. Clients will receive a holistic advice including energy options.. Please use your referrer link or if you would like to become a referral partners, get in touch.
Legal Updates:
Child Care Changes from April 2024 will increase support for working parents of 2 year olds and further help for working parents in September.
Increase in Local Housing Allowance towards private rent – which means the maximum rent which can be paid by benefits has been increased.
To find out what this means and check the correct amount is being applied, Click Here.
Our Community Engagement Work:
The free English classes in Mid Sussex have been popular with 35 people joining us so far. These classes allow our communities to connect and learn about information and support in a relaxed and proactive setting.
“I have met so many wonderful people and already feel more confident in English” – an Attendee.
The positive feedback has been great and we look forward to welcoming even more students in the coming months.
Volunteers are at our heart, they are the connection with our community and allow us to be more than a service provider. We are proud of the 300 volunteers who support us and to celebrate their contribution during volunteers week. Each volunteer was sent a token of our gratification and we look forward to seeing them grow.
We are excited to expand our work with universities and in work experience placements during the last month. Over the coming months we will be relaunching our roles and promote the benefits of volunteering and build our community as we approach our 85th anniversary.
We made a historic and important appearance at Corby Pride on 22 June 2024, marking our first-ever participation in a Pride event. The idea originated from our National Network: LGBT+ councillors, who helped guide us through the journey as well as identifying the Corby Town Council event. It underscores the commitment and leadership of local (parish and town) councils to build stronger communities that are diverse and inclusive. Corby Pride featured a parade, live entertainment, community stalls, and various activities to celebrate and promote LGBT+ inclusivity. We participated in the parade, met the town council’s mayor, and discussed the event and ongoing initiatives with other council representatives. I also wanted to give a special thanks to Cllr Luke Trevaskis, chair of our network and Charmaine Keatley, chief executive of the Kent Association of Local Councils, who made their respective journeys from the northwest and southeast to join us on this landmark occasion. Our attendance is part of our broader strategy to promote diversity and inclusivity across all local councils, from our Make a Change campaign to creating content and writing blogs to creating the national network for LGBT+ councillors.
National Network: Coastal communities
Our national network for coastal communities held its latest online meeting on 19 June 2024. Kirsty Davies, community water quality manager at Surfer’s Against Sewage, delivered an informative presentation on water quality and how bathing waters are a solution for improving water quality. She also discussed the Surfers Against Sewage’s Citizen Science Programme, which replicates the Environment Agency’s water quality testing regime but with more frequent testing. The network was also joined by Ali Pretty, founder of Kinetika, who gave a fascinating presentation on Beach of Dreams, which is a UK-wide coastal festival programme that starts from 1 May – 1 June 2025. The next network meeting is on 3 September 2024 – if you’re a local council in a coastal area or are interested in coastal issues and want to connect with your colleagues, please sign up!
On the blog: Celebrating Pride 2024
This week’s blog highlights how local councils celebrate Pride Month and offers ideas for 2025. Beginning the celebrations early, Hertford Town Council in Hertfordshire held a Family Pride Day, featuring a Conversation Corner that acted as a safe space and Express Yourself dedicated to dance and music. Leighton Linslade Town Council in Bedfordshire kicked off Pride Month by hosting their first-ever working party where the community would give their ideas. Hailsham Town Council in East Sussex hosted Stand Proud in Hailsham, a special family-friendly event with festival vibes. Weston-super-Mare Town Council in Somerset partnered with local groups for a month-long programme of events. And Crewe Town Council in Cheshire honoured older LGBTQ+ members with Silver Rainbow Pride. Some ways your council can get involved in 2025 include forming Pride committees, collaborating with local organisations, hosting educational workshops, planning family-friendly activities, organising parades, implementing inclusive policies, and promoting awareness. Read the blog to find out more! Please drop us a line to let us know what your council did during Pride Month at policycomms@nalc.gov.uk.
Fortnightly county officers meeting
In this week’s regular meeting between NALC and county officers, there was an update from Steve Parkinson of The Parkinson Partnership about the latest model financial regulations. This highlighted some key changes, areas where councils must pay particular attention, and the main queries received so far. There was also a discussion about an issue from HMRC with some county associations and corporation tax. NALC provided a short briefing on the parental leave campaign from Mumsnet, which NALC is backing and is encouraging local councils to support. There was also an update on the progress of the NALC website, which we’ll launch in October this year.
Global Civility Summit 2024 on tackling toxicity and cultivating civility
Local councils can attend the groundbreaking Global Civility Summit 2024 on tackling toxicity and cultivating civility. This unique gathering on 10 October 2024 will feature visionary civic leaders from the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, who will share their strategies for addressing toxicity, bridging divides, enhancing discourse, and renewing civic culture. Participants will gain insights into current trends and access valuable resources. The summit is free and will be held online, but places are limited, so I recommend early registration to secure your spot! You can find out more on the event including panellists, the agenda, and additional resources, on the event website.
Youth summit hosted by NALC, One Voice Wales and SLCC
We are hosting a joint youth engagement summit with One Voice Wales (OVW) and the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC). The virtual event on 18 July 2024 for local (parish, town and community) councils, councillors, clerks and council staff across England and Wales will explore innovative ways to engage and inspire young people. The summit will look at discovering how to create meaningful apprenticeship opportunities that equip young individuals with valuable skills and experience, cultivating the next generation of political leaders, learning ways to empower young people in the community to take their rightful place in the political arena, and delving into the intricacies of how young people can influence policy decisions. The summit promises to be a transformative experience that will equip attendees with the tools and knowledge to unlock the full potential of youth influence in policy-making, celebrate the remarkable achievements of young councillors, be inspired by their dedication and leadership and explore how local councils can support and promote the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award, fostering personal development and community service among youth. You can find out more about the event and how to book tickets on our website.
General election and rural prosperity
We have joined with 11 other national bodies on The Rural Coalition to urge political parties and policymakers to boost rural economies after the general election. The Rural Coalition is clear there is huge potential to increase productivity within rural areas. With the appropriate support, rural economies could generate additional billions a year in tax receipts for the Treasury. Productivity in rural areas in England is currently lower than the national average, suggesting significant potential for future improvement. Such a boost could significantly fund vital national priorities, emphasising the interconnectedness of rural prosperity with national success.
And finally…
Come join The Carbon Literacy Project’s Local Authorities team for the final Connect & Catch Up session before a summer break. The next session is on 3 July at 2 pm on MS Teams. It will be an opportunity to chat informally about all things Carbon Literacy. As well as the chance to chat, swap ideas and network in breakout rooms. You will be joined by Chloe, the Carbon Literacy Action Day Coordinator, to hear all about this year’s campaign and how you can be involved. From strategic tips to paid social media ads for open courses, there’s something for all approaches!
Recognising county association excellence
We understand the crucial role that county associations play in supporting local (parish and town) councils across England. These associations provide invaluable advice, support, and training, ensuring that councils are well-equipped to serve their communities and enhance residents’ lives.
The awards will spotlight county associations that have excelled in addressing the needs of their member councils, delivering their work to high standards, providing value for money, and showcasing innovation and enterprise. We invite anyone, including county associations and their member councils, to nominate deserving associations for this prestigious award.
To submit a nomination, complete the form on our website. Along with the form, please provide a brief 150-word supporting statement for each criterion, highlighting specific examples of the county association’s achievements.
It is essential to recognise and appreciate the dedication and commitment of county associations in supporting local councils to build stronger communities. Take advantage of the opportunity to honour an outstanding county association by nominating them for the Star Council Awards. The deadline for nominations is 6 September 2024, so submit your nomination before then.
Clear Councils Insurance, Blachere Illumination, CCLA, Cloudy IT, Facilitating the Future and Utility Aid sponsor the awards.
Does your local (parish and town) council provide platforms where young people can voice their perspectives and contribute to decision-making processes? NALC, the Society of Local Council Clerks, and One Voice Wales are joining forces to host the Youth Engagement Summit. The virtual event will be held for local councils, councillors, clerks, and council staff across England and Wales to explore innovative ways to engage and inspire young people. Join the summit to discover how to create meaningful apprenticeship opportunities that equip young individuals with valuable skills and experience, cultivate the next generation of political leaders – learn ways to empower young people in your community to take their rightful place in the political arena, delve into the intricacies of how young people can influence policy decisions.
Decoding the future of AI 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. 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.
Speakers: Jenny McEneaney (Local Government Association) and Steve Walker (The Cloudy Group)
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. 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.
Speakers: Shar Roselman (Newport Pagnell Town Council) and Andrew Towlerton (Society of Local Council Clerks)
Mastering emergency planning
23 October 2024 — 12.00 – 13.15
The impact of COVID-19 has underscored the undeniable truth that local (parish and town) councils must always be prepared for emergencies, regardless of the cause. Fortunately, local councils are key players in supporting recovery from various emergencies. Take this opportunity to gain exclusive insights into how your local council can proactively plan for and champion recovery in emergencies from an insider’s perspective, complete with tips and guidance on navigating these critical scenarios to benefit your community, including applying Martyn’s Law for potential local terrorist incidents.
The quest for devolution in local governance
20 November 2024 — 12.00 – 13.15
Despite the promising rhetoric of levelling up, devolutionary outcomes for local (parish and town) councils must be more impressive. With minimal attention in the Levelling Up the United Kingdom White Paper in 2022 and ongoing delays in the government’s planned neighbourhood governance review, it appears the commitment to devolving more powers to local councils has not been fully realised. Reignite your passion for advocating increased devolved services in your area and receive practical advice on empowering your local council to navigate the evolving landscape effectively.
Empowering the young councillors of tomorrow
13 December 2024 — 12.00 – 13.15
Recognising that young people shape our future, it is imperative for all local (parish and town) councils to actively involve them in vital service areas that impact their lives. Moreover, the young individuals engaged by local councils today might emerge as tomorrow’s local councillors, emphasising the ongoing necessity for such engagement. Gain a strategic advantage for your local council in effectively involving young people in caring for their community. Discover how to cultivate their interest in becoming the local councillors of the future.
Navigating rural realities
29 January 2025 — 12.00 – 13.15
While approximately 70% of local (parish and town) councils thrive in rural areas with populations under 10,000, the national spotlight often leans towards urban agendas, assuming that the most deprived areas are urban. Gain a competitive edge in addressing the intricate challenges that rural councils face, and leave with valuable, practical advice and tips to steer your local council confidently into the future.
Is the fight for standards a losing battle?
26 February 2025 — 12.00 – 13.15
It’s no secret that without robust sanctions, local government at every level faces an uphill battle against the declining standards of behaviour. Yet, it’s a moral imperative to strive to reverse this tide. Unlock the strategies your local council can employ to support national campaigns to enhance behaviours during council meetings. Learn practical measures that local councils can implement to drive positive change.
Breaking the mould of local councils
26 March 2025 — 12.00 – 13.15
The prevailing notion of retired, predominantly male local (parish and town) councillors persists, echoing the enduring image from the Vicar of Dibley era despite ongoing national campaigns to challenge this perception. Uncover the secrets of success for your council in attracting a broader, more diverse range of candidates willing to volunteer as local councillors against all odds.
Chief executive’s bulletin
4 July 2024
NALC pushes for greater role for local councils in community energy projects
In NALC’s recent response to a consultation from the Department for Energy Security and Zero, we advocated for a greater role for local (parish and town) councils in delivering community energy projects, making the case that local councils can significantly contribute to improving biodiversity and reducing carbon consumption. We also suggested that government support and investment in electricity infrastructure should be improved to facilitate small-scale community projects. The previous government committed to consult on the barriers to community energy projects by launching this call for evidence. We now hope the new government will utilise the evidence and information from this consultation to understand the issues facing the energy sector more widely. Read the full consultation response.
Next week’s meeting of National Assembly
The agenda and supporting papers for next week’s meeting of our National Assembly are now available in the committees’ section of the NALC website. Responsible for overseeing the delivery of our objectives, our National Assembly consists of one councillor from each of the 43 county associations of local councils. Taking place in person at our office in London, next week’s agenda includes a workshop on our latest big theme on community safety, an update on our finances including a recommendation on next year’s affiliation fees, a briefing on the Sustainable Communities Act and NALC’s policy making, updates from committee chairs and Management Board champions, and considering the outcome of today’s general election and next steps engaging with the new government and Parliament.
Improvement and Development Board
At their most recent meeting, the Improvement and Development Board agreed to set up task forces to make recommendations for improvement and development in the sector. Three task forces have been established so far, focusing on civility and respect, intervention, and workforce, each having held their first meetings and agreed on initial priorities. The intervention task force plans to have two additional meetings, aiming to present its final recommendations to the board on 12 November 2024. Meanwhile, a fourth task force will explore data implications for local council improvement and development, with a report on its terms of reference and membership to be presented at the next board meeting, following presentations from De Montfort University and the Local Government Association on the role of data analysis in improvement. Additionally, the board has agreed to appoint new members, including the chief executive officers of Lawyers in Local Government and Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments, and the chair of the Association of Democratic Services Officers, all of whom will join the board at its next meeting on 11 July 2024.
NALC online event on tackling climate change and biodiversity loss
The latest NALC online event – Unleashing the power of local councils to tackle the climate emergency – took place on 26 June 2024. The sold out event discussed initiatives and examples of how local councils can fight against climate change. Our expert panel featured Richard O’Callaghan, regional lead external affairs officer at The Woodland Trust, Garry Ford, environmental projects officer at Corsham Town Council, and Allan Wilson and Richard Watkins, chair and vice-chair of Save our Shropshire. Richard O’Callaghan explained how The Woodland Trust supports local councils in combating climate change by offering resources such as model wording for neighbourhood plans, a tree planting sites finder, funding, and free tree packs. Garry showcased Corsham Town Council’s efforts to achieve net zero by 2030 through environmental task groups focused on public transport, active travel, plastic waste reduction, and biodiversity. And Allan and Richard Watkins stressed the importance of carbon literacy and the Carbon Literacy qualification. A huge thank you to our amazing speakers and I also want to thank Katherine Brown from NALC’s partners, Blachere Illumination, for hosting the event.
On the blog: Royal Garden Party
This week’s blog, written by Claire Fitzgerald, NALC’s administration manager, provides a delightful recount of the Royal Garden Party held on 21 May 2024 at Buckingham Palace. The Royal Garden Party is a prestigious event hosted by the British monarch at a royal residence, honouring and celebrating individuals who have had a positive impact on their community. NALC manages the invitations for the local council sector working with county associations. The blog post features reflections from various guests who attended the event, highlighting their excitement and honour despite the rainy weather. Overall, the blog post captures the joy and honour felt by guests attending the Royal Garden Party, reflecting the community spirit and the unique experience of participating in such a prestigious event. Read the blog to find out more!
Out and about
I joined over 60 local council representatives for this week’s Suffolk Association of Local Councils (SALC) annual general meeting. It was impressive to be reminded of the tremendous support that county associations provide to local councils. SALC has delivered an outstanding range of member services, including training, advice, events, payroll and internal audit. They have also delivered big projects, including their partnership with the county council to provide advice on handling Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Future plans include enhanced information on highways matters, planning and a digital skills training programme. Charlotte Eisenhart, head of member services, this week joined the Annual Parish Conference hosted by Leicestershire County Councils and Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils. This was another great example of the work of county associations and local councils with a wide range of partnership working showcased at the event. In her presentation, Charlotte spoke about the civility and respect work delivered by NALC, county associations and the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC).
Latest legal bulletin
Our member services team has issued their June 2024 legal bulletin for county officers. The bulletin includes guidance on a scenario of a chair resigning with no volunteers to stand, councillor resignations, charging voluntary organisations for advertising and an update on new hedgerow regulations.
80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2025
The 8 May 2025 will be the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a celebration of the moment in 1945 that marked the end of the Second World War in Europe. This year, many local councils commemorated the anniversary of D-Day, and I hope many will also choose to mark this similarly. On Thursday 8 May 2025 a range of activities are being encouraged including lighting of Beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace, the raising of a unique VE Day flag and holding parties of celebration throughout the day in the streets, gardens at home, churches, villages and towns, and all manner of locations throughout the country. A new VE Day 80 website has been launched, which includes details of next year’s plans, a guide to taking part and a form to register your involvement so you can be up to date with the plans.
And finally…
As I am sure you don’t need any reminding, the UK general election takes place today! According to our colleagues at Democracy Club, a record 4,515 candidates have been nominated to stand, beating the previous record of 4,150 set in 2010. A whopping 98 different political parties are standing, plus 459 independent candidates. And thanks to the great work of My Life My Say through the #GiveAnX campaign, which NALC has been supporting, over 600,000 people registered to vote on the recent National Voter Registration Day, of which just under half were 18-34. I’d like to wish everyone who has put themselves forward to serve their constituencies – from all parties and none and including many local councillors – the very best of luck. Please do take the time today to exercise your democratic right to vote if you haven’t voted by post already!
