If any Clerks want to join the Clerks’ eGroup, or any councillors want to join the Councillor eGroup, contact enquiries@lalc.co.uk.
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
This fortnightly newsletter is provided to member councils through the clerk and chair and should be circulated to all councillors. This eNews can also be found on the LALC website under News (LALC News). Other important information which comes up in between eNews publication dates is also shared on the website under News (Our Blog).
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
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.
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
|
Position |
Closing date |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
No closing date |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
5th January 2025 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
28th February 2025 |
|
|
Admin Assistant |
10th January 2025 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
No closing date |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
No closing date |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
28th February 2025 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
14th February 2025 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
7th February 2025 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
14th February 2025 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
9th February 2025 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
No closing date |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
14th March 2025 |
|
|
Grounds Maintenance/Handyperson |
17th March 2025 |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
7th March 2025 |
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.
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
Sign up to the LCC Town and Parishes newsletter – email:
lcctownandparishnews@lincolnshire.gov.uk
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
Latest News
To see the latest NALC news (NALC login required): https://www.nalc.gov.uk/news
To see the latest SLCC news (No SLCC login required): https://www.slcc.co.uk/news-publications/
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
SLCC: Latest Civility & Respect newsletter
Key highlights:
• 1651 councils have signed up to the Civility & Respect Pledge – this is less than 17% of councils
• Updates on the Improvement and Development Board (IDB) Intervention Taskforce and its three initial priorities:
o A peer review
o A review of the C&R Pledge
o Our work with Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) and others
Read it here: https://www.slcc.co.uk/site/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CR-Newsletter-January-2025.pdf
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
NEW – AI training in conjunction with Breakthrough Communications
Breakthrough Communications will be delivering three 90-minute (remote) sessions specifically for LALC members. Each session costs £35 – attend all three sessions and you will only pay for two.
Part 1 - An Introduction to AI in Local Councils: 3rd June, 14:00 – 15:30
Part 2 - Using AI for Internal Council Communications: 26th June, 14:00 – 15:30
Part 3 - Using AI to boost Community Engagement: 22nd July, 14:00 – 15:30
Places are bookable via the LALC portal (login required).
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
Save the date! LALC Conference
The 2025 LALC Conference will take place on 16th July. Location and further details will be released in due course.
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
NALC Legal Bulletin
Selling or leasing land — making an income?
We have received a few requests from councils concerned that the income they receive from leasing land or selling land amounts to making a profit and the council engaging in trading activities. Paying rent is one of the components of a lease, and receiving rental income as a landlord does not amount to trading. The same goes for money received by a council vendor of land. Section 127 of the Local Government Act 1972 also requires councils to dispose of land (including by way of leasing or selling it) at market value, subject to the conditions in the General Disposal Consent. Our advice note on the disposal and appropriation of land by local councils contains guidance on the disposal of land.
Staff use of loyalty cards
We considered an unusual request where a council employee had invoiced their council after making an authorised office purchase using their own personal card and they had also used their store loyalty card during the purchase. The benefit to the employee consisted of a few pence, but a councillor questioned their conduct in making a financial gain from the transaction. In our view, the legal concept of de minimis was applied in the case as any breach was minor. The issue really highlighted the importance of having clear policies in place, and the council decided to implement corporate cards for staff use. A separate point was that an employee loyalty card purchase could benefit the employer with loyalty savings. However, having clear council policies on staff card use would avoid such issues arising.
Resigning from a committee in writing?
We have been asked whether councillors resigning from committees are required to do so in writing. Section 84 (1) (c) and (d) of the Local Government Act 1972 provides the procedure for councillors and council chairs wishing to resign from their councils. The statutory requirements do not apply to councillors resigning from committees. We suggest that a committee’s terms of reference detail the process for resigning from those committees. Generally, it is desirable to put things in writing for clarity and certainty.
Annual council meeting dates for councils with elections
We are asked every year there is an election to provide dates for annual council meetings. The principle for our calculation remains the same every year. It is the dates that vary. The 2025 local election date is 1 May, and councillors would ordinarily take office on 5 May. As that day is a bank holiday, our view is that councillors will now take office on 6 May, making the relevant 14-day meeting period for the purposes of paragraph 7 (2) of Schedule 12 to the Local Government Act 1972. 7 May to 22 May inclusive. This an area where we are aware there have been different interpretations of the computation of days, and we have not counted Sundays in our 14-day calculation. We are also asked about the earliest date a council annual meeting can be held where there is no contested election. Our view is that where there is no contested election, so it is known whom to summons, the summons can be served with the requisite three clear days’ notice, which could be the day councillors take office. Councils have to know who they need to summons so notice cannot be given before results are known where there are contested elections. We will update our guidance in the event there are any election date changes.
Requests for legal advice
We wanted to draw your attention to the how to submit a legal advice request webpage. We would emphasise the importance of clear instructions with questions identified and set out, background and facts provided, and all relevant documentation attached. This enables us to be able to deal with requests promptly.
Recent team activity
The last couple of months have seen the team devoting a large amount of time to considering the draft of the revised version of Local Councils Explained. The draft is currently in the design stage. The team was grateful to receive comments from colleagues (a county officer, a councillor and a clerk). Gary Barker, solicitor, delivered a legal update to the Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils on 20 November 2024. The legal team continues to be involved in work on standards and remote meetings, which includes engaging with stakeholders such as the Local Government Association, the Association of Democratic Services Officers, and Lawyers in Local Government.
Disclaimer: Information and commentary on the law contained in this bulletin are provided free of charge for information purposes only. Whilst every reasonable effort is made to make the information and commentary accurate and up to date, no responsibility for its accuracy and correctness, or for any consequences of relying on it, is assumed by any member of NALC's legal team.
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Free Worknest webinar: Contracts and Handbooks Made Simple
When employment issues arise, robust contracts and carefully crafted employee handbooks are employers’ first line of defence. Despite this, many small businesses still don’t have the necessary documents in place or are relying on documents that are poorly drafted or out of date. This can be a costly mistake to make.
Join WorkNest’s Employment Law experts on the 25th February at 2pm – 3pm for an essential overview of contracts and handbooks, including why every employer needs them, what the law requires, and how to avoid common pitfalls that could leave your business exposed.
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
SLCC: Your Guide to Organising a Street Party
The government has published updated guidance to street-based community groups who wish to organise a street party.
The ‘Your Guide to Organising a Street Party’ is a useful resource to share with residents who approach the local council with questions about what permissions are required and who to obtain them from, including information on road closures, charges, playing music, insurance and fund raising. It also provides links to organisations who offer support; and addresses some of the popular myths surrounding street parties.
Read the guide: https://tinyurl.com/y3u8u8bz
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SLCC: Neonatal Leave and Pay
The government has confirmed that a day one right to neonatal leave for parents with neonatal babies will be introduced from 6 April this year. This follows the passing of the ‘Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023’.
Neonatal Care Leave will apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care up to 28 days old and who have a continuous stay in hospital of seven full days or longer. These measures will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave. The leave must be taken in week blocks and must be taken within 68 weeks of the birth of the baby.
Alongside the leave entitlement, Statutory Neonatal Care Pay will be available to those who meet continuity of service requirements and the minimum earnings threshold.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/parents-to-receive-day-one-right-to-neonatal-care-leave-and-pay
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
Results of recent Central Lincolnshire Design Code consultation
Following the consultation late last year on the Central Lincolnshire Design Code, a report has now been published summarising the results: https://tinyurl.com/az4stvdh
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
LCC Town and Parish Council Update
The latest LCC Town And Parish Council Update can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/4chpy4yk
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
SLCC: Government Planning Reform Working Paper
The government has released a planning reform working paper inviting views on how it could ‘streamline the development of critical infrastructure, in particular Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). It focuses specifically on potential legislative changes, principally to the Planning Act 2008.’
‘In doing so, it proposes options for:
• Reviewing National Policy Statements (NPSs) on a more regular basis and making it easier to update them in the interim
• Protecting the role of consultation in the consenting process but making it less burdensome
• Supporting delivery of infrastructure post-consent
• Allowing for appropriate flexibility in the process applied to projects where this is merited
• Strengthening statutory guidance to ensure clarity over what is and is not required.’
• Feedback from the working paper will inform the government’s next stage of policy development.
Further information: https://tinyurl.com/mry5z29e
Respond here: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/planning/streamlining-infrastructure-planning/
Please note that the government has emphasised that this is not a formal consultation, but is intended to inform discussions with the sector, to determine whether and how to take proposals forward.
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Useful advice for setting strong passwords
https://cybernews.com/best-password-managers/how-to-create-a-strong-password/
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
SLCC: New advice note on Temperature in the Workplace
SLCC have added a new advice note to our Advice Library on working in hot or cold temperatures. The Workplace (Health, Safety and welfare) Regulations require employers to provide a reasonable temperature in the workplace.
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers must:
• Assess the risk to workers
• Put controls in place
• Temperature in the workplace is one of those risks to be assessed, whether it is done indoors or outdoors
The minimum and maximum temperatures in an indoor workplace should normally be at least:
• 16°C or
• 13°C if much of the work involves rigorous physical effort
• There is no upper limit for maximum temperature, but please see advice note for details
Access the Advice Note (SLCC login required):
https://www.slcc.co.uk/advice/temperature-in-the-workplace/
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Accessing ‘Good Councillor Guide’ pdfs
All the latest Good Councillor Guides (including the new version of the Good Councillor Guide to Finance 2025) can be accessed and downloaded from the LALC website (no login required).
https://www.lalc.co.uk/good-councillor-guides
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Deadline extended: Free commemorative trees for North Kesteven communities
Apply now to secure free trees for your community - whether it's a single commemorative tree or a community orchard, you have the opportunity to make a lasting mark on the environment in your neck of the woods.
We have dozens of trees to give away and can offer advice to help you plant the right trees in the right place. This offer is open to groups, charities, businesses, schools and more - anywhere that can accommodate trees!
The deadline for applications has been extended to noon on 31 January for orchards, and 17 February for individual trees, and we are particularly keen to find homes for more of the single commemorative trees.
These would be ideal for Parish Councils to plant, so please encourage your local PC to make an application. Find out more and apply at:
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/communitytrees
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
NK Lottery Grant Scheme Opens for Applications
The NK Lottery Grant Scheme is now open for applications. This scheme is funded by the proceeds from the NK Lottery. For every ticket purchased, 50p goes towards a nominated good cause, and 10p goes into a general good cause fund, or 60p if no specific cause is chosen. It is that general good cause fund that is now available for redistribution to eligible projects.
We are working on this scheme with Lincolnshire Community Foundation and would like to invite local groups to apply for grants of up to £500.
Funds should be used to:
• Ensure the good health and mental wellbeing of residents
• Promote connectivity (digital/peer support)
• Host community/cultural activities and events that bring communities together
• Support youth activities including uniformed groups.
Examples of the type of project costs that can be requested include volunteer expenses, resources and equipment, event costs, premises costs, sessional fees, running costs, insurance and annual subscriptions. The closing date for receipt of applications is on Friday 28th February 2025, with decisions notified within 6-8 weeks.
Application form: https://lincolnshirecf.co.uk/grants/north-kesteven-lottery-fund/
For any queries contact hayley@lincolnshirecf.co.uk, or telephone (01529) 305825.
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NALC publishes headlines from 2024 parish and town council elections
This week, we published a headline analysis of the main results of the May 2024 parish and town council elections.
Parish and town council elections took place in 18 counties, 33 principal authority areas and 446 parish and town councils. The main headlines from research are that 0.02% of parish and town councils which held elections in May 2024 were inquorate after those elections, approximately 15% of parish and town councils holding elections in May 2024 had contests at those elections, approximately 70% of those parish and town councils which held elections in May 2024 subsequently had vacancies, and approximately 6.7% of those parish and town councils which held elections in May 2024 had at least some councillors elected on a party-political ticket at those elections.
Read more (no login required): https://tinyurl.com/mrx59r5x
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF) – GRASSroots Fund (in partnership with ELDC)
Are you a not-for-profit organisation, community group, registered charity, social enterprise or town or parish council based or delivering services in East Lindsey? Grants of up to £24,999 are available for projects which invest in or restore community spaces and create the foundations for growth at neighbourhood level.
Closing dates are 21st February 2025, 13th June 2025 and 10th October 2025 (more to be announced in due course should funding be available).
To apply and for further information of the criteria, please visit www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk/grants/elif
For any queries, please contact the ELIF GRASSroots Team at 01529 572272 or elif@lincolnshirecf.co.uk
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
Plastic Wrapped Bales
The Environment Agency are asking landowners, businesses and members on the public to report any suspiciously located plastic-wrapped bales that are unlikely to be silage or hay stored by farmers or equestrian facilities. An investigation has identified large-scale, organised deposits of waste across counties including Lincolnshire. Bales of waste were found in coloured plastic wrap disguised as farming bales. If you have any information that may assist with this investigation, please call the 24-hour hotline on 0800 807 060. Or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Crimestoppers website.
Read more https://bit.ly/4ghKObE
꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰ ꙰꙰
NALC calls for a stronger local government audit system
NALC have supported the government's proposals to reform the audit sector of smaller authorities and asked the government to increase capacity in local government audits further.
Responding to the government's consultation on its strategy for overhauling the local audit system in England, we welcomed the temporary increase to the upper threshold for smaller authorities to £10.2 million. However, this should go further and raise to £15 million. We backed the uplift of the lower audit threshold broadly in line with inflation, allowing the smallest authorities to remain exempt from limited assurance review.
NALC also argued that parish meetings must opt into the limited assurance by declaring when they exceed the lower threshold, rather than opting out by declaring they are exempt as at present, that, with appropriate safeguards, the Annual Governance and Accountability Return must be able to have a wet signature and submitted electronically, and that an urgent system-wide review of the impact and management of vexatious objections, is urgently required.
Read more:
https://www.nalc.gov.uk/resource/nalc-calls-for-a-stronger-local-government-audit-system.html
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Gallagher: Essential 2025 Guide to Planning Impactful Community Events
Community events continue to serve as a cornerstone for bringing people together, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating shared values across the UK.
Planning community events requires careful coordination, from selecting the right location and determining the event’s scale to assembling a capable team and ensuring all elements work seamlessly together for a successful outcome.
Our guide has been thoughtfully curated to help your organisation navigate key insurance and risk considerations, prioritise sustainability, accessibility, and effectively fundraise for your events. With specialist insights, practical tips, and inspiring case studies, we aim to equip you with the tools to deliver meaningful and impactful community initiatives.
Read the guide: https://tinyurl.com/59f6t685
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One You Lincolnshire expands services with additional funding to help more people quit smoking!
Find out more: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/A4wHqeLbgSa3yjwa?ref=email&loc=play
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WLDC: Market Rasen Selected for Lincolnshire's Coronation Community Orchard Project
The Rasen Area Environment Group is thrilled to announce that its bid to establish a community orchard has been approved as part of Lincolnshire County Council's Coronation Community Orchard Project, funded by Defra's Coronation Living Heritage Fund.
This exciting development marks a significant step forward in creating a vibrant, multi-functional green space, that will benefit both the local environment and the community.
The Market Rasen Community Orchard project aims to plant a diverse array of 84 fruit trees across two key locations in Market Rasen. Most trees will be planted at Mill Road Park, creating a substantial community orchard space, including apples, pears, plums, medlars, and mulberry, while a select number of mature specimen trees will be planted in the front area of De Aston field, enhancing the existing recreational space near the benches.
With a focus on Lincolnshire varieties, the orchard will not only promote biodiversity and support wildlife but also provide a source of fresh, locally grown, produce for residents.
The project will come to life through a series of community planting days from February 6-8, 2025. Local schools and community groups, including Market Rasen Pre-school, Town & Country Pre-school, the Old Station Group, and Market Rasen Primary School, will be participating in the planting activities. The group welcomes community volunteers to join the planting effort on Saturday, February 8th.
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/mr3twx8c
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SLCC: Local Government Pay Claim 2025/26
The NJC Trade Unions have now submitted their joint pay claim for local government services (‘Green Book’) for 2025/6. The claim seeks:
• An increase of at least £3,000 across all NJC spinal column points
• A clear plan to reach a minimum pay rate of £15 an hour
• An extra day of annual leave for all staff
• A reduction in the working week by two hours, with no loss of pay
Principal authorities will now be consulted on the NJC unions’ claim at online regional pay briefings scheduled to take place between 11 February and 13 March. The National Employers will then consider all consultation feedback before deciding how best to respond to the pay claim.
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BRAMM Winter Update 2025
The British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) has issued its winter newsletter. Within the newsletter you can read about South Staffordshire Council’s Green Flag success; wreath recycling; and a list of Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) training dates.
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/mvk96zbn
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NALC: Martyn's Law Steering Group
On 4 February 2025, NALC held the latest meeting of Martyn's Law Steering Group, which we set up jointly with the SLCC. The group received an update on actions since the December 2024 meeting with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), which included updates to our community safety webpage with some useful links. The group restated the main issues we would lobby peers on during the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill House of Lords Committee Stage between 3 and 12 February 2025. The group also supported the recently launched inquiry into the Southport tragedy, which would help inform the guidance that the Home Office eventually produce.
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NALC blog: Time to Talk Day
In this week's blog, by Rethink Mental Illness, Ben shares his powerful journey of recovery after accessing support through the Mendos service. Following his arrest in February 2023, he faced a mental health crisis, burdened by guilt and shame. At his lowest point, he reached out to his parents and sought hospital support, where a mental health consultant's words gave him a renewed sense of hope. Through services like UOK and Mendos, Ben found a safe space to express his struggles and rebuild his mental well-being. Weekly meetings with Mendos helped him navigate the criminal justice system and develop a positive outlook on life. Now, he embraces a future shaped by growth, resilience, and self-acceptance. Ben's story highlights the importance of open conversations about mental health, a key message of Time to Talk Day, the nation's biggest mental health conversation, encouraging people to talk, listen, and support one another. His journey serves as a reminder that recovery is possible and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
Read the blog (NALC login required): https://tinyurl.com/bdfsn7h3
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