22 August 2023

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.

Mayor’s Charity Events

Come and join the Mayor at one, two or three of his charity events.

MSVA E-Bulletin

Click to view the MSVA e-bulletin

Chief Executive Bulletin

NALC becomes a White Ribbon Accredited organisation 

I’m delighted to announce that NALC has become a White Ribbon Accredited organisation for our commitment to ending men’s violence against women in the workplace and the local community. And we are the first national body in the local government sector to achieve this! As a White Ribbon Accredited organisation, NALC will be taking forward a three-year action plan of activities to change staff culture, systems and raise awareness within the local (parish and town) council sector. Please learn more about White Ribbon UK and consider making the White Ribbon Promise.

Want to take part in the corporate peer challenge programme?

We are continuing to work with the Local Government Association (LGA) to offer a new round of corporate peer challenges for the largest councils. The corporate peer challenge is part of our improvement work and allows councils to benchmark themselves against similar councils, look at what they do well or could do better, and receive advice from experienced peers from other areas. Corporate peer challenges are open to super councils which are those with an annual precept of over £1m or an annual turnover of over £1.5m. Visit our website to find out how it works, and if you’re interested in participating, please contact NALC at anders.hanson@nalc.gov.uk.

Extra tickets are available for a sold-out event! 

We’ve released extra tickets to our sold-out event on engaging with local communities through digital engagement, which takes place on 27 September 2023. Digital engagement with local communities has become even more crucial in today’s rapidly changing world, especially when delivering community regeneration and neighbourhood development plans. Join us to learn about effective digital engagement strategies that broaden community participation beyond the usual suspects. You will discover how digital tools and platforms can enable local councils to connect with residents more efficiently and effectively and make it easier for people to engage with the decision-making processes that affect their lives. Register your place today and find out more about our other events.

On the blog: LGA Labour Group 

This week’s blog is written by the new chair of LGA and former leader of the LGA Labour Group, Cllr Shaun Davies. The blog is on the same theme as our fringe event at the LGA Annual Conference on 5 July 2023 on why parish councils matter, where all the LGA’s political groups joined us to share what they think. In Shaun’s essay he covers why, as a town councillor himself, parish councils really do matter, stressing the vital role local councils play in any community and that they are central to local activity. Read the blog to find out more!

Latest legal bulletin published 

Our August legal bulletin for county officers was sent out earlier this week. The bulletin features guidance on adverse possession such as maintenance of land by different local authorities, freemen and using gender neutral terms, Sections 15 and 16 of the Local Government Act 1972 and recording of meetings and whether this should happen immediately or when the meeting starts.

Letter to councils on Remembrance parades and services 

NALC, LGA and the Royal British Legion (RBL) have published a joint letter to all councils regarding Remembrance events. The letter, signed by chairs of NALC and LGA, and the director general of RBL, thanks councils for their support and assistance in organising parades and services. It also asks for continued assistance and support to make them cost-effective, highlighting the part RBL branches and volunteers can play. I would be grateful if county associations could help share the letter with councils in their areas. As I know local councils are at the heart of the community and commemorative events, I’m sure you will continue to work with RBL branches and other Armed Forces organisations to enable local people to remember their fallen and look forward to the continued observance of this time-honoured tradition. You can also find out more information about Remembrance on RBL’s website.

And finally… 

Later this year, as part of our Make A Change campaign, we’ll be hosting an online event with the LGA on how you can be the voice of your community by standing for election as a local councillor. The empowering event on 14 November 2023 will discuss the path to becoming a local councillor and positively impacting your local area and society. The event will provide an invaluable opportunity to learn about the vital work and role of councillors from an expert panel. Councillors who have served at various local government levels will share their insights, experiences, and advice about the world of local leadership. Claim your FREE place today!

The Rural Bulletin

Click here to read The Rural Bulletin

GATCOM News Bulletin

Click here to read GATCOM News Bulletin

GATCOM Annual Review

RBL Dinner Dance

See details and how to book if you wish to attend the RBL Dinner Dance

Planning applications and decisions