29 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.

NALC Newsletter

NALC opens governance elections

NALC kicked off its governance elections, inviting its National Assembly members to elect the NALC chair, NALC vice-chairs and committee members.

 

LGBT+ national network survey

NALC’s LGBT+ national network for councillors has launched a survey to help shape the network’s future.

 

MP visits Littleport Town Council

Lucy Frazer MP met with Littleport Town Council to explore ways to improve the area’s youth provision.

 

Blog: LGA Conservative Group

In our latest blog, the LGA Conservative Group discussed the vital role that local councils play in delivering services and supporting communities.

 

Blog: LGA Labour Group

In our latest blog, the Labour Group were asked why parish councils matter and the vital role local councils play in any community.

EGBA

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Chief executive’s bulletin

24 August 2023

NALC governance elections are now open! 

This week on 23 August 2023, we launched our governance elections, inviting National Assembly members to elect the NALC chair, vice-chairs and committee members. The process will take 14 weeks, with the results announced on 29 November 2023. There are opportunities for councillors and clerks who are not members of the National Assembly to get involved too! To encourage participation and representation from all backgrounds, these individuals can stand for direct elections to the Larger Councils Committee and the Smaller Councils Committee. We’ve created a dedicated webpage outlining committee information, election seats and timelines to support the process. We have also partnered with UK Engage to manage online elections to ensure a smooth and streamlined process. This innovative approach will facilitate a more accessible and efficient voting procedure.

Local Council Award Scheme  

We also announced the latest Local Council Award Scheme (LCAS) results on 23 August 2023. Congratulations to the latest local (parish and town) councils to be accredited under the LCAS. LCAS celebrates the best of local councils, helps them develop their potential, and recognises that they are well-run and meet the required standards. The latest councils accredited with the Quality Gold Award are Wen Rural Parish Council and Westerham Town Council. Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Town Council, City of Durham Parish Council, Waddesdon Parish Council, and Whitchurch Town Council were accredited with the Quality Award. And Bingham Town Council, Chalfont St Giles Parish Council, Honiton Town Council, Knaresborough Town Council, Roade Parish Council, and Selby Town Council were accredited with the Foundation Award. Well done to everyone involved. You can learn more about the scheme and how to apply on our website.

National Network: LGBT+ councillors 

On behalf of NALC’s national network for LGBT+ councillors, we launched a survey on 22 August 2023 to help shape the network’s future. The survey aims to gain insight into the experiences of the LGBT+ community from the sector. The survey responses will help co-champions, Cllr Andy Snape (Flitwick Town Council) and Cllr Luke Trevaskis (Morecambe Town Council), improve future meetings, focus on the network’s goals, and boost LGBT+ visibility in the sector. Please complete the survey as soon as possible.

On the blog: LGA Liberal Democrats Group 

This week’s blog is written by the leader of the Local Government Associations (LGA) Liberal Democrats Group, Cllr Joe Harris. The blog covers the theme of our fringe event at the LGA Annual Conference on 5 July 2023 on why parish councils matter, where LGA’s political groups joined us to share what they think. He writes about how local councils play a crucial role in local democracy by serving as the community’s voice and shares six key areas where he believes local councils excel. Read the blog to find out more!

National Network: Young councillors 

Our following national network for young councillors meeting is on 31 August 2023. At the last network meeting, the network discussed how to make it more effective, how to get young people involved in local politics by engaging with local schools, how to ensure young councillors are adequately supported throughout their time in office and supported the idea of a mentoring programme or induction pack for young councillors with tips and advice. Learn more about the network and how to get involved!

Fortnightly county officers call 

In this week’s meeting between NALC and county officers, we discussed some challenges local councils face in obtaining suitable insurance and banking arrangements. NALC highlighted its ongoing work with partners to help advise the insurance and banking sector on the needs of local councils. NALC will be putting together guidance on this topic. There was also a discussion about the sector risk register and how county associations manage risks and business continuity.

Design Code Pathfinder Showcase

We have teamed up with the Society of Local Council Clerks to hold a FREE online event about the Design Code Pathfinder Programme on 20 September 2023. You will hear from the government’s new Office for Place to hear more about the programme and the work local authorities and neighbourhood planning group partners have undertaken to deliver more healthy, beautiful, and sustainable places. Design Codes have come to the fore, especially following the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework in 2021, highlighting their role by local planning authorities, developers and communities. This includes local councils, which many expect to be at the forefront of their development. The event is for councillors and clerks, and if you’re a clerk, you will claim 1 CPD point for attending this webinar!

Local MP meets with Littleport Town Council to discuss youth provisions 

Lucy Frazer MP, MP for South East Cambridgeshire, met with Littleport Town Council to explore ways of improving youth provision across the area. She visited Littleport Youth and Community Centre on 4 August 2023, where she spoke to council representatives about their work to engage the youth in the area. They also discussed ideas for expanding provisions to more young people who are currently short of access to services. It’s great to see MPs visit local councils across England. I’d urge councils to contact their local MP to organise a visit to share information about all the fantastic work councils do for their communities.

And finally… 

On 22 August 2023, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) launched the Coronation Living Heritage Fund for applications. The fund will support local tree-planting projects across communities to celebrate the King’s Coronation. Applications are welcome from district, borough, city, and county councils, unitary authorities, and metropolitan boroughs. Parish, community and town councils and community groups should apply through the above’s tree officers or environmental team. The application window will be open until 26 September 2023. Councils can apply for an amount between £10,000 and £50,000 per option for one or both of the following options; Coronation Micro Woods (enabling councils to plant miniature areas of rapidly establishing woodland in urban areas) and Coronation Community Orchards (enabling councils to provide grants to local people and groups to establish community orchards).

Grow Digital West Sussex

Bookings are now open for free events aimed at helping West Sussex businesses increase efficiency, reduce costs and win customers through digital growth. Read more and book onto a free event

Ticket office closure consultation

Consultation response submitted 28^th August with thanks to those councillors who sent comments and the consultation group of Cllrs Farren, M Belsey, Ody,  Mockford and Whittaker.

GATCOM News Bulletin

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Planning applications and decisions