If any Clerks want to join the Clerks’ eGroup, or any councillors want to join the Councillor eGroup, contact enquiries@lalc.co.uk.
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This fortnightly newsletter is provided to member councils through the clerk and should be circulated to all councillors. This eNews can also be found on the LALC website under News.
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Training courses are available to book via the portal (login required)
The Training Bulletin is issued monthly, and courses are available to book via the portal. If there is any specific training which you feel would be valuable, and we don’t currently offer it, please let us know and we will investigate. The Training Bulletin can be found on the LALC website www.lalc.co.uk/training-2-1.
Clerks – when booking training for your councillors, please ensure that their email address is correct. If not, they will not receive the booking confirmation or any joining instructions. If you have set up your councillors on the LALC portal, you will be able to select their correct email address from a drop-down list when booking the training.
If you update your council email and are already booked on training, please let us know so that we can update your booking to ensure you receive the automatic reminders.
If one of your councillors resigns, and they were booked on LALC training, please cancel their place, so that others can book on. Failure to do so may not only deprive other councils from attending but could result in a non-attendance charge (see below).
Please note our training cancellation policy:
• For part day courses – please ensure we receive cancellations at least 48 hours in advance
• For full day events – please ensure we receive cancellations at least 5 working days in advance, as we need to pre-order and pay for lunches
Due to persistent non-attendance at booked events, it is unfortunate that LALC have had to amend the way we impose our cancellation fees. All members are charged 50% of the training cost when insufficient notice is received (as above) for non-attendance at training events. No shows will be charged at 100% of the course fee. All charges are regardless of whether the council is a member of the ATS or not.
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|
Position |
Closing date |
|
|
Clerk |
16th August 2024 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
30th July 2024 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
31st August 2024 |
|
|
Assistant Parish Clerk |
6th September 2024 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
16th September 2024 |
|
|
RFO |
13th September 2024 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
No closing date |
|
|
Clerk |
10th September 2024 |
|
|
Facilities Cleaner |
22nd September 2024 |
|
|
Estates Maintenance Operative |
4th October 2024 |
|
|
Assistant to the Clerk |
30th September 2024 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
No closing date |
|
|
Caretaker/Handyperson |
13th October 2024 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
30th November 2024 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
18th October 2024 |
Vacancy advertising
LALC can advertise your vacancy on our website and in the fortnightly eNews. This is a free service. If you do not have a pre-prepared advert to send us, please complete our Vacancy Template, which can be found in the Members Portal under Document Templates.
We also offer a paid advertising service, which ensures that your advert also appears on Lincolnshire County Council’s website, Facebook, and LinkedIn (in addition to the LALC website and eNews). The current fee for this is £75. Please complete the Vacancy Template (as above), ensuring that all requested information is completed, and then contact us at enquiries@lalc.co.uk. You will be invoiced for this service.
Please note that Lincolnshire County Council require a closing date on their advert, as well as salary information (these are mandatory fields). LCC will remove your advert once the closing date has passed, so please consider the date carefully as you will have to pay again to re-advertise if your vacancy hasn’t been filled by then.
We recommend all councils advertise their vacancy, job details, method of application and up to date contact details on their own website too.
Please let us know when the vacancy has been filled, so that we can remove it from our website/eNews. If your vacancy has not yet been filled and you are continuing to advertise, please let us know of any revised closing date. If you no longer specify a closing date, please let us know so that we can update the vacancy adverts.
The NALC Recruitment Manual (developed as part of the Civility & Respect project) is now available via the portal. Go into Knowledgebase and click on 'Recruitment Manual' in the 'Employment' menu area.
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Sign up to the LCC Town and Parishes newsletter – email:
lcctownandparishnews@lincolnshire.gov.uk
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Latest News
To see the latest NALC news: https://www.nalc.gov.uk/news
To see the latest SLCC news: https://www.slcc.co.uk/news-publications/
(No login is required).
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LALC Webmaster – Pete Langford
As some of you may already be aware, Pete Langford, LALC’s webmaster, suddenly passed away on the 19th September. Pete was a valuable member of staff particularly to those that subscribed to the Website Management Service.
Pete first became known to LALC when the new County Council websites were introduced bringing them in line with the Website Accessibility Regulations. Pete helped his local council clerk to upload documents and create pages etc keeping them in line with the regulations. Word got around and he helped more and more councils. At this point it was all voluntary and donations were made to two of Pete’s charities for his help. As more and more councils were asking for help, LALC approached Pete to make it a more permanent arrangement so that he could be paid for his time and councils purchased hours of time which he meticulously recorded. Pete also delivered training sessions to those councils that were happy to do the work themselves but just needed the guidance on how and he was always at the end of the phone willing to help.
His wife Elaine told us that he loved his work with LALC and particularly the council clerks who he mostly liaised with. He had a good working relationship with Ali Holmes at LCC and worked closely with Lindsey in the office. It is fair to say that without Pete this service would not have been born and as successful as it is serving over a third of our member councils. Many of those councils have sent in their condolences and we will ensure that these are passed on to Mrs Langford this week, so even if you did not subscribe to the WMS but had dealings with Pete and would like to send a message, please send it through to enquiries at LALC.
As you can imagine it has come as a shock to the team at LALC and all of his councils that he worked with. In the interim Ali and her colleagues at LCC have helped the councils and we now have Tony Shaw who has stepped in to help in the short term. This may become a permanent arrangement, but we will keep all councils informed of this. The email remains the same and LALC will be sourcing a mobile number so that you can make telephone contact. In the meantime, please be assured that it will be business as usual but allow time for the transition. Tony is an experienced clerk with three of Lincolnshire’s councils and is from an IT background.
Pete will be missed by many, and we would like to thank him for his hard work and dedication to the work he did. He was always very keen to know how councils should operate lawfully and went above and beyond simply uploading documents.
Thank you Pete, RIP.
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Clerks Networking and SLCC Lincs branch AGM – more details confirmed
Come and network with fellow Clerks at our full day event on 26th November at Welbourn Village Hall!
Meet some of LALC’s partners.
Schedule for the day
9:30 Registration for SLCC members
10:00 SLCC Lincolnshire Branch AGM
10:00 Registration for non SLCC members
10:30 Joe Russell from Complete Communities, presenting on “Beyond Ideas: Tips for writing engaging plans and strategies “.
This session is primarily aimed at officers and clerks. It focusses on finding ways to make public sector documents engaging and readable for residents and businesses.
We will cover:
• The importance of a strategic approach
• Phraseology and perceptions
• Improving your story telling and narrative
• Tips for improving readability and engaging people with your plans
12:00 Lunch
13:00 Grant White (WLDC Communities Manager) and Paul Drury will be running a joint workshop on Effective engagement/consultation and tips to write successful bid applications.
Places can be booked now via the portal (login required).
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‘Health & Safety Awareness and Risk Assessments for Councils’
When: 29th October, full day
Where: Kirton in Lindsey Town Hall
This event is suitable for clerks and councillors and is being run in conjunction with our colleagues at ERNLLCA (East Riding and Northern Lincolnshire Local Councils Association), and will be delivered by Worknest, our H&S partner.
The morning session will be a presentation from Worknest on 'Health & Safety Awareness for Councils'.
This will be followed in the afternoon session by Health & Safety Awareness workshops where delegates will be able to produce their own Risk Assessments with guidance from Worknest.
Items to be covered are expected to be risk assessing meeting venues and events such as Remembrance and Christmas events as well as some of the employer duties that may face councils ensuring that employees and volunteers are safe.
Places can be booked now via the portal (login required).
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NEW: Free Worknest webinar - Mastering Council Onboarding | strategies for success
Effective onboarding ensures the seamless integration of new employees into your council. A well-structured onboarding process not only facilitates a smooth transition but also lays the foundation for long-term success.
Join WorkNest on 10th October at 2pm for a free 60-minute session where they will explore key strategies for successful onboarding tailored to the unique demands of a council. Plus, with recent changes to employment law and more on their way under the new Labour government, how might this impact your council’s onboarding process?
Find out more and register here:
https://worknest.com/training/mastering-council-onboarding-strategies-for-success-partners/?v=LALC
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LCC School Admissions consultations
The following schools are consulting on their 2026/27 Admission Policy.
The consultation period runs from 01 October 2024 to 13 November 2024:
Holbeach Primary Academy - https://www.holbeachprimaryacademy.co.uk/key_information/admissions/admissions.html
Holbeach Bank Academy - https://www.holbeachbankacademy.co.uk/key_information/admissions/admissions.html
Lea Frances Olive Anderson Church of England Primary School –
https://www.olive-anderson.lincs.sch.uk/parents.html
Bracebridge Heath St John's Primary Academy - https://www.stjohnsprimaryacademy.co.uk/page/?title=Admissions&pid=19&action=saved
Lincoln Manor Leas Junior Academy - https://www.manor-leas-junior.lincs.sch.uk/admissions/
Lincoln Ermine Primary Academy –
https://epa.harbourlearningtrust.com/key-information/admission-arrangements/
Cranwell Primary School - https://www.cranwell.lincs.sch.uk/Admissions.asp
University Academy Long Sutton - https://www.uals.org.uk/News/Admissions-Consultation/
Spalding St John the Baptist Church of England Primary School –
https://www.st-john.lincs.sch.uk/admissions/
The following consultation period runs from 02 October 2024 to 14 November 2024:
Louth Eastfield Infants' and Nursery Academy & Louth Lacey Gardens Junior Academy –
https://laceyfieldlouth.co.uk/information/school-admissions/
The following consultation period runs from 07 October 2024 to 17 November 2024:
Grantham The King’s School - https://www.kings.lincs.sch.uk/consultation2627
The following consultation period runs from 07 October 2024 to 17 November 2024:
Nettleham Church of England Aided Junior School –
https://www.nettleham-junior.lincs.sch.uk/page/?title=Admissions+Policy+Consultation&pid=264
In addition, the following consultations are ongoing:
• Changing the PAN at Legbourne East Wold Church of England Primary School. Reducing from 17 to 15
• Changing the PAN at North Cockerington Church of England Primary School. Reducing from 12 to 10
• In addition, the text of the policy has been simplified so it is easier to understand. There are no other changes proposed.
Consultation: https://www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk/school-admissions-policy-consultation-2026-2027
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Employment Law Update September 2024
1. Employer’s New Duty to Prevent Sexual Harassment
From October 2024 new legislation (s40A Equality Act 2010) places greater responsibilities and legal requirements on all Employers, to take proactive steps to prevent Sexual Harassment at work.
Managers will need to take steps to demonstrate that they are preventing the problem. This doesn’t simply mean having an up-to-date Policy and Procedure, but actively taking steps to reduce the risk of harassment. However, the starting point needs to be for Managers to ensure that the Organisation’s procedures are fit for purpose.
Current guidance on the ACAS Website (https://www.acas.org.uk/sexual-harassment/steps-for-employers-to-prevent-sexual-harassment) sets out the following requirements for the Organisation’s Anti-Harassment policies and procedure to follow:
• The policy should provide a range of options for reporting sexual harassment, depending on who the person who has been subject to harassment feels comfortable with.
• The policy should provide a range of informal options for dealing with sexual harassment.
• The policy should contain a formal complaints procedure for the Employee to use if they wish.
• The formal procedure should allow Union representation.
• The procedure should be clear about when disciplinary action might be needed.
• Only one investigation needs to be conducted into both the Employee’s complaint and any subsequent Disciplinary action.
• The policy should contain details of help and support available to the person who made the complaint.
• Someone who's been sexually harassed will be given paid time off to get help with any resulting physical or mental health problems.
In addition, specific guidance notes have been developed by the Equality and Human Rights Commission for all Employers. In terms of how they apply, the following need to be taken into consideration:
• Employers will need to review existing procedures, including defining what constitutes harassment, steps to take should the problem arise, protection the Organisation will provide to those reporting it, and sanctions against offenders. As a result, a Policy and Procedure that is specific to the needs of the Organisation should be drafted.
• Staff should be consulted on the draft policy and procedure, to get their suggested adjustments, as well as commitment to the document. If the Organisation has a collective bargaining arrangement with one or more Union, they too should be consulted as part of the process of updating procedures.
• The procedure should be issued to Directors and staff and displayed in public areas.
• All staff should either attend a briefing session regarding how the new/updated policy and procedure works, or be required to read the document and sign it to confirm that they understand and will comply with it.
• This will need to be repeated on an annual basis to ensure that the training doesn’t become outdated. Provision of annual training would enable an Organisation to demonstrate that it has taken reasonable steps to prevent the problem. This can provide the Organisation with a valuable defence if it has to defend a claim of Sexual Harassment at the Employment Tribunal.
• The Policy and Procedure should include a simple and user-friendly reporting process if problems occur, as well as set out what action will be taken against offenders. For example, Employees who are found to have committed acts of Sexual Harassment would be accused of Gross Misconduct.
It is important to ensure that procedures, and the way that they are implemented, are appropriate to the size of the organisation and its resources. There is no point in developing elaborate procedures that are simply unworkable. There are no particular criteria or minimum standards for Organisations when implementing their anti-harassment procedures. They must be practical and, most importantly, workable for the size of the organisation.
From October 2024, Employers could face a surcharge of 25% on top of any compensation awarded to an Employee who successfully makes a claim of Sexual Harassment at an Employment Tribunal, if Managers cannot demonstrate how they have complied with the new rules.
However, Employers that have taken all ‘reasonable steps’ to implement workable procedures will have a defence against claims at the Tribunal for Sexual Harassment, under s109 of the Equality Act 2010.
Steps we strongly recommend you take:
1. Managers to review and customize the Anti-Harassment Policy and Procedure to the needs of your organization.
2. Consult with staff, and where necessary unions, on the contents of the procedure.
3. Conduct training / information events for all engaged with the organization in whatever context.
4. If, for genuine reasons, some people cannot attend such an event, ask them to read and sign a copy to confirm that they understand and will comply.
5. Get a training record signed to say that they have had this information and understand how it works.
6. Review the policy and procedure on an annual basis to ensure that it is relevant.
7. Repeat this training / information session on an annual basis to ensure that it is up to date.
8. Ensure that you have information to third parties, such as the public, suppliers, contractors, etc. are aware of this policy and procedure.
We have a sample policy as a starting point; however, it is not the finished article! This can be used to develop and customise a Policy and Procedure that suits your organisation.
PROFILE
Chris Moses LLM Chartered FCIPD is Managing Director of Personnel Advice & Solutions Ltd. He is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and has a Master’s Degree in Employment Law. If you have any questions regarding these issues please feel free to contact him on (01529) 305056 or email p.d.solutions@zen.co.uk
Whilst every care has been taken in compiling these notes, Personnel Advice and Solutions Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are intended to provide general information. Guidance for specific legal problems should be sought separately.
FURTHER FACT SHEETS ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE: www.personneladviceandsolutions.co.uk
IMPORTANT: The information in this factsheet is for guidance only. Personnel Advice & Solutions Ltd cannot accept responsibility for the use of the information. It is not an authoritative statement of the law. You should always seek professional advice on a specific legal matter. Individual Personnel issues must always be addressed on their own merit.
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NKDC Revamp climate change webpages
NKDC have relaunched their climate change webpages with lots of content on how to take climate action both for individuals/households and the wider community. Why not take a look and see if there's something you could apply to your Council?
The pages include some top tips and where to find advice on a range of topics including saving energy, helping nature, electric vehicles and chargepoints and renewable energy. There is also a page highlighting funding opportunities both for households and the community (including parish councils and community groups).
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Rural Lincolnshire – make Gov Gigabit Vouchers deliver you faster online speeds!
Lincolnshire County Council and BT Openreach are reissuing a call to all rural Lincolnshire areas to make use of Government vouchers for full fibre broadband.
The community-led scheme has already brought full fibre broadband to dozens of Lincolnshire villages – but some are still missing out on the potential upgrade.
Earlier this year, more than 20 rural communities, including North Kelsey, Honington, and Rippingale worked together with Openreach to build a new full fibre network.
Residents in these areas can now get gigabit-capable speeds, transforming the way they connect at home and empowering businesses online. And the Government’s Rural Gigabit Voucher Scheme means thousands more homes and businesses can get the same service, too.
More than a third of households that pledged government vouchers in the first wave of the programme have already upgraded to faster, more reliable speeds. The next in line to benefit are North Scarle and Newton on Trent and across Lincolnshire, nearly 200,000 premises can now upgrade to full fibre broadband.
However, some communities are still waiting for access to full fibre such as Swinstead, Swayfield, Burton Coggles, Irnham, Friskney and Surfleet.
With enough backing, these areas could be next in line for a full fibre rollout, ensuring that even the most rural parts of Lincolnshire can benefit from this future-proof technology. But to do that on the scheme means communities coming together to put all their vouchers into one pot.
Read the full LCC article: https://tinyurl.com/4s2hshsb
For more information and how to put a community voucher bid together go to: https://tinyurl.com/2yajfva3
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New NALC website launches 7th October!
This exciting update is part of our ongoing commitment to providing you with even greater value for your membership and enhancing your overall experience.
Our new website is designed to ensure that your investment in NALC continues to yield substantial benefits. Here's how we're delivering more value through this upgrade:
• Easier access to resources — The new site will feature a user-friendly interface and streamlined navigation, making finding the resources and information quicker and simpler.
• Expanded member benefits — We're offering a broader range of exclusive content and resources, including enhanced educational materials and up-to-date advice, all part of your membership.
• Improved accessibility and flexibility — Our new website is easy to access whether you're in the office, at home, or on the go, and it is optimised for all devices.
• Enhanced security — We've invested in advanced security features to protect your data so you can confidently manage your membership, knowing your information is safe.
• Streamlined membership management — New administrative tools will simplify your membership management, providing a smoother and more efficient experience.
• Modern design and functionality — The refreshed design aligns with the latest standards, offering a more engaging and user-friendly experience.
From 7 October 2024, parish and town councils, councillors, clerks, and council staff can create an account to access these exclusive member benefits. Stay tuned for more details as we approach the launch date!
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Venue Hire Policy - something to consider
NKDC has adopted a Venue Hire and External Speakers policy which local councils may wish to consider. The policy is designed to ensure that extremist organisations are not able to use NKDC venues for their activities. This is in the interests of public order and community safety.
It may be worth considering creating a similar policy for venues under your management.
Read the NKDC policy: https://tinyurl.com/mrxwptbj
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Pension Credits - an under-claimed benefit
Pension Credit is one of the most under-claimed benefits in Lincolnshire – but once someone successfully claims it a whole range of other benefits can be unlocked too. If a person is eligible for Pension Credit, they could also receive the Winter Fuel Payment, housing benefit, cost of living payments, support for mortgage interest, Council Tax discount, a free TV licence (for those aged 75 plus), help with NHS discounts and more.
It only takes a few moments to check eligibility here: www.gov.uk/pension-credit
There’s also a helpline for anyone to call if they’re struggling to claim, on 0800 99 1234.
It’s been announced that eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment will change to include those who are on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits only, so it’s well-worth anyone checking now if they think they could be eligible for Pension Credit. It only takes a few moments and could make all the difference for them this winter.
You can also follow the Lincolnshire Financial Inclusion Partnership on social media for more help and advice – find it by searching for @Money Talk Lincs on Facebook, X and Instagram.
If anyone is struggling with bills and debt generally, they can call 01522 873382 and ask to speak to the shared Revenues and Benefits team for a friendly chat about the range of help they may be eligible for and any support via the Council’s partners. They can also send an enquiry to the team online at: https://www.lincoln.gov.uk/online/apply-money-benefit-advice
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NALC & SLCC respond to NPPF consultation
NALC has now submitted our response and broadly welcome the government's proposals. We argued that parish and town councils are deeply embedded in local communities and, as such, have a key role in ensuring the community buy-in needed to deliver homes and communities. We also recognised the urgent need to significantly increase the level of house building and that we are not only building houses for the next five years but also developing homes and communities for the next 50 years. The government confirmed that updating the NPPF was one of its first priorities. It has committed to making it easier to develop onshore wind facilities to boost green growth and build more houses we need on previously developed land and appropriately sited other locations.
SLCC has submitted its response to the government’s recent consultation on proposed changes to the NPPF. We would like to thank all members whose comments helped contribute to our response. In preparing our response we also worked closely with NALC. If implemented, the changes would see major changes in the planning system in England to support its wider objective “to achieve sustainable growth in our planning system” and “commitments to achieve economic growth and build 1.5 million new homes”.
Meanwhile, there are strong indications from the government that the publication of the revised NPPF following the consultation may be delayed until the New Year due to the “thousands and thousands” of consultation responses received.
Read the NALC response: https://tinyurl.com/yh95v832
Read the SLCC response: https://tinyurl.com/5en879av
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NALC National Network: Coastal communities
NALC national network for coastal communities met on 19 September 2024 to discuss various issues impacting coastal areas. Clare Trotman, beachwatch officer at the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), joined the network to highlight MCS efforts to protect, clean, and maintain healthy oceans. Trotman focused on beach cleaning initiatives and addressed the impact of plastic on marine life. The network also examined the effect of river litter on coastlines, coastal erosion impacting landfill sites, and the promotion of the Motion for the Ocean campaign to raise awareness about marine protection. In the open forum, there were discussions on traffic enforcement and parking challenges in coastal towns, as well as exploring community benefits from offshore wind activities. Members stressed the need for better traffic management and the potential for improved community infrastructure funded by parking fees. The network agreed on developing a tailored Motion for the Ocean for local councils. Additionally, it was decided that more data should be gathered on coastal landfill site issues and to explore the expansion of Section 106 agreements to include offshore wind projects to ensure coastal communities benefit from these activities.
Motion for the Ocean: https://tinyurl.com/5vwb36k4
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NALC blog: Global leaders in eco-responsible festive lighting
Author: Katherine Brown, external affairs at Blachere Illumination UK
Blachere are NALC partners and global leaders in eco-responsible festive lighting. They write about their support of our Star Council Awards and their commitment to the sector. Their commitment to sustainability includes innovative eco-responsible ranges, like BioPrint and Recyprint, utilising biodegradable materials and recycled plastics. Blachere also offers a new Summer Range, catering to local councils looking to light up events beyond Christmas.
Read the blog: https://tinyurl.com/mwbawbcb
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King Charles III England Coast Path
Attention: walkers! The King Charles III England Coast Path has now opened in Lincolnshire. The King Charles III England Coast Path, once completed, will be a 2,700 mile National Trail around the whole of the English coast, enabling people to enjoy, recognise and value the benefits of our country’s beautiful coastline. The opening of 57.3 miles (92.7 km) of path between Sutton Bridge and Skegness means the majority of the coastline of The Wash is now open to walkers. Parts of the path are very remote with no public facilities or connecting paths for many miles, so walkers are advised to be self-sufficient, taking enough food and water for the journey, checking the weather and wearing appropriate clothing and footwear.
Use the National Trails website to plan your day and see places to visit, stay or eat: https://bit.ly/4eem97K
Read the full article: https://bit.ly/4dgRNjK
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Fire Safety Week: Fire door safety advice
If you think a fire door in the building you're living in, working in, or visiting isn’t up to standard, don't ignore it! Report it to the building manager or owner—it could save lives. Fire doors play a crucial role in stopping the spread of fire and smoke. In shared spaces, we all have a part to play in ensuring they’re fit for purpose.
For more information: https://www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk/advice/
Public buildings: https://www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk/advice/public-buildings/
5 step fire door safety check:
https://www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk/app/uploads/2020/08/FDSW-5-Step-Fire-Door-Check.pdf
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Lincolnshire County Council funds more mental health support for farmers
A grant of £52,000 has been given to Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) to support more mental health provision within the county’s agricultural and rural communities. The money has come from Lincolnshire County Council’s public health grant and will fund practical support for mental health and wellbeing through caseworkers and volunteers in the county. Lincolnshire County Council works with many organisations to support farmers, allowing them to thrive, excel, and lead the way in best practice.
A list of available support has been compiled for those working in agriculture and horticulture across Lincolnshire and is available at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/keeplincolnshiregrowing
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Lincolnshire County Council Streets Design Code - new developments
Lincolnshire County Council, in its remit as Highway and Lead Local Flood Authority, are producing a Streets Design Code. Further detail on Design Codes can be found here; National Model Design Code - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
This will be an end-to-end document and webpage which follows the timeline of a developer preparing for and submitting a planning application, through to technical checks of road design and build and eventual adoption of estate roads as highway. It will provide a clear framework for the high-quality developments we expect to be delivered in Lincolnshire.
LCC are keen to engage with Parish Councils, initially through a short questionnaire to ask what content they, as representatives of the community, wish for us to include in the Streets Design Code.
Answers will be returned anonymously and it will take maximum 5 minutes to respond.
Questionnaire: https://tinyurl.com/b282fvhb
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NALC event on the future of neighbourhood plans
NALC’s latest online event, held on 25 September 2024, focused on the future of neighbourhood plans. Our expert panel featured Madeleine Gohin from Locality, Shar Roselman from Newport Pagnell Town Council, Andrew Towlerton from the Society of Local Council Clerks, and Katie Warrington from South Gloucestershire Council. Andrew called for continued government commitment to neighbourhood planning and urged all parish and town councils to create their own. Shar provided an overview of the three versions of last year's study tour hosts Newport Pagnell Town Council's neighbourhood plan. Madeleine spoke on the positive implications of the government's proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system consultation for the future of neighbourhood planning and shared information about available support for parish and town councils interested in undertaking a neighbourhood plan. Katie outlined the work of the Right to Build Task Force and the role neighbourhood planning has in supporting custom and self-build.
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Further delays to the Local Government Pay Award
For any parish or town councils using the NALC/SLCC recommended pay scales, based on the National Joint Council (NJC) pay scales, you will, unfortunately, need to wait a bit longer for the outcome of national pay negotiations. UNISON and Unite have rejected NJC's most recent offer, and both unions are moving to ballot members for industrial action. The pay award for 2024/25 is expected to be delayed until mid-to-late October at the earliest. The national employers advise against imposing any pay offer before concluding the collective bargaining process.
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What’s happening at councils elsewhere in the country: Wixams council face bill of tens of thousands over councillor complaints
An investigation into Wixams Parish Council [Bedfordshire] could cost £55,000 due to the volume of complaints made. A parish council spokesman said the majority of complaints have been “raised by or against one councillor” going back 11 months.
Bedford Borough Council said it doesn’t have the internal capacity to handle the volume of complaints. It added that it is “reasonable” to ask the parish council to meet unavoidable costs for hiring external staff. A borough council spokesperson said: “The borough council has received multiple complaints from Wixams Parish Councillors about other members.
“Due to the volume of these complaints, the borough council does not have the internal capacity to handle all investigations.
Read the full article: https://tinyurl.com/2s3ht3zr
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New ICO Tool to Help FOI Request Handlers in Small Public Authorities
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published a new checklist to help Freedom of Information (FOI) practitioners working in small public authorities. The tool provides helpful tips for searching internally for information to answer FOI requests.
Read more: https://www.slcc.co.uk/new-ico-tool-to-help-foi-request-handlers-in-small-public-authorities/
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