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 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.
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|
Position |
Closing date |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
No closing date |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
11th September |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
30th November |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
19th October |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
27th November |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
18th November |
|
|
Clerk/RFO |
4th December |
|
|
Assistant Clerk |
8th December |
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, costing £60, which ensures that your advert also appears on Lincolnshire County Council’s website, Facebook, and LinkedIn (in addition to the LALC website and eNews). 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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Lincolnshire flood risk increased by groundwater level – expert
A flooding expert has warned of unusually high levels of groundwater accumulating beneath Lincolnshire.
Dr Paul Ellis, from environmental consultancy Geosmart, said this increased the potential for flooding. Heavy rainfall in recent weeks, linked to Storm Babet, meant boreholes and aquifers were "exceptionally high".
Dr Ellis suggested the geological make-up of the county made it particularly vulnerable. He said: "At the moment we have a very sharp rise in groundwater levels…with Storm Babet and all the other rainfall we've had. It's one of the steepest rises I've ever seen.
"You'd expect to see them in January but we're seeing them now in November."
Dr Ellis said groundwater levels were often overlooked when it came to assessing flood risk and the types of rock beneath Lincolnshire meant that huge quantities of water are absorbed and stored when it rains. "When groundwater levels are high you'll get more base flow in the streams and drainage ditches and the next time you get a rainfall event, that rainfall will be more likely to create flooding," he said.
Read the full article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-67524261
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Public Consultation on Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal
Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council have worked with Government officials to produce a devolution proposal. This means existing money and power can move from central government to decision-makers in Greater Lincolnshire.
The proposal, if adopted, would include:
1. Improved local transport and roads
2. Improving training to ensure local people can take advantage of the new jobs
3. Help improve the environment and achieve net zero
4. The provision of good quality housing
5. Boosting the economy by supporting local businesses to create new, high paid, high skilled jobs
6. Enhanced digital services, like broadband
We want to know what you and your residents, organisations and businesses think about the Greater Lincolnshire devolution proposals.
For more details and to take part visit: https://www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk/devolution
The following public consultation events (drop in sessions) are being held:
|
9 January |
1:30pm – 5:30pm |
Cleethorpes Library, Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 8LG |
|
10 January |
5:30pm – 7:30pm |
Grimsby Town Hall, Town Hall Square, Grimsby, DN31 1HU |
|
10 January |
3:00pm – 7:00pm |
The Source Riverside Church, South Gate, Sleaford, NG34 7RY |
|
10 January |
3:00pm – 7:00pm |
Ashby Community Hub, Ashby High Street, Scunthorpe, DN16 2UT |
|
11 January |
12:00 noon – 4:00pm |
Centre4, 17a Wooton Road, Grimsby, DN33 1HE |
|
11 January |
3:00pm – 7:00pm |
Boston Utd Football Club, Pilgrim Way, Boston, PE21 7NE |
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12 January |
11:00am – 2:00pm |
Gainsborough Trinity Foundation, The Venue at Roses, North Warren Road, Gainsborough, DN21 2TU |
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12 January |
3:00pm – 7:00pm |
Market Hall, 3 Market Place, Crowle, Scunthorpe, DN17 4LA |
|
13 January |
9:00am – 1:00pm |
Scunthorpe Central, Carlton Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6TX |
|
15 January |
11:00am – 3:00pm |
Immingham Library, Pelham Road, Immingham, DN40 1QF |
|
16 January |
11:00am – 3:00pm |
Freeman Street Market, Freeman Street, Grimsby, DN32 7DS |
|
16 January |
11:30am – 2:30pm |
Wake House, 41 North Street, Bourne, PE10 9AE |
|
16 January |
3:00pm – 7:00pm |
Angel Ballroom, The Angel Suite, Brigg Road, Broughton, Brigg, DN20 8LD |
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17 January |
11:00am – 2:00pm |
Meridian Leisure Centre, Wood Lane, Louth, LN11 8SA |
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18 January |
12:00 noon – 3:00pm |
West Marsh Community Centre, Beeson Street, Grimsby, DN31 2QH |
|
18 January |
3:00pm – 7:00pm |
Jubilee Centre, 1-5 London Road, Grantham, NG31 6EY |
|
18 January |
3:00pm – 7:00pm |
Baysgarth Community Hub, Brigg Road, Barton-upon-Humber, DN18 5DT |
|
19 January |
11:00am – 2:00pm |
Storehouse, North Parade, Skegness, PE25 1BY |
|
20 January |
11:00am – 2:00pm |
Springfields Event Centre, Camel Gate, Spalding, PE12 6EU |
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22 January |
3:00pm – 7:00pm |
Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT |
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25 January |
3:00pm – 7:00pm |
The Showroom, Tritton Road, Lincon, LN6 7QY |
Timeline:
|
22 November |
Draft devolution deal announced |
|
4 December |
Consultation opens for feedback |
|
29 January |
Consultation closes |
|
February |
Consultation analysis and draft report produced |
|
March |
All three councils will consider the feedback received and decide whether to go ahead with devolution |
For further queries contact: engagement@lincolnshire.gov.uk
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NKDC Precept-setting deadline
Councils in NKDC should by now have received information regarding the process for the 2024-25 precept setting. Precept demands should be submitted to NKDC by 26th January 2024.
If any NKDC councils have not received this information yet please contact:
NK-CorporateAndCivicSupportTeam@n-kesteven.gov.uk
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Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue - Community Risk Management Plan Stage 3
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is compiling its latest Community Risk Management Plan which looks at the main risks to lives, properties, infrastructure and the environment in Lincolnshire.
Following data analysis, risk assessments and public engagement, the service’s top risks have been identified as:
• House fires
• Road traffic collisions
• Flooding
• Non-domestic fires
• Wildfires
• Deliberate fires (arson)
• Malicious Attacks
Fire and rescue are now interested to hear feedback from the community on the plan. Residents, community groups and organisations have until Monday 8 January to have their say: https://tinyurl.com/52p38nh3
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Lincolnshire Community Foundation Launch Household Support funding in West Lindsey and also in South Kesteven
Lincolnshire Community Foundation are distributing funding (grants up to £300) on behalf of West Lindsey District Council and also on behalf of South Kesteven District Council to eligible applicants, who must not be in receipt of any Government Benefit or Cost of Living payment.
The priority groups are:
1. Pensioners (in receipt of old age pension only)
2. Single Parents
3. Those with underlying health conditions but no on benefits
4. Single person households.
Applications can be found at http://www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk or those without internet access can make a telephone application on 01529 305825 (opt 1).
If you require any further information, please contact the grants managers of the scheme Katie Littlewood (katie@lincolnshirecf.co.uk) or Cavan Collins (cavan@lincolnshirecf.co.uk).
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Attention all Christmas shoppers
Shoppers lost over £10 million to cyber criminals during the festive period last year. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is promoting the uptake of two key protective behaviours.
1. Use a strong and different password for your email using 3 random words.
Your email password should be strong and different from all your other passwords. Combine 3 random words that mean something to you to create a password that is easy to remember but hard to crack.
2. Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV) for your email.
2SV gives you twice the protection so even if cyber criminals have your password, they can't access your email. It works by asking for more information to prove your identity, for example getting a code sent to your phone to sign in or to change your password.
Stay vigilant when it comes to shopping online as cyber criminals are increasingly producing more convincing scam emails, fake adverts, and bogus websites. Shop securely by researching online sellers, paying with a credit card where possible and only providing enough payment details to complete the purchase.
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Tackling the unpleasant smells that ruin residents’ quality of life
New support is available for residents affected by nuisance odours caused by the use of illicit substances, such as cannabis.
Although environmental law allows local authorities to investigate nuisance odours related to industrial, trade or business premises, these powers do not extend to residential properties.
In light of this, the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership has created the new Lincolnshire Noxious Odours Procedure, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.
Local authorities and partner agencies will deal with these types of complaints about the use of illicit substances in private addresses using alternative tools and powers.
Unpleasant and persistent smells from a residential property believed to be caused by use of an illicit substance, should be reported to your district council or housing association.
To find out more visit here: https://tinyurl.com/mw2xrtct
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Historic England seeking comments on climate change and historic building adaptation
Historic England is seeking comments on a proposed Historic England Advice Note (HEAN) covering climate change and historic building adaptation, with a particular focus on how to appropriately adapt historic buildings to respond to climate change by, for example, reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels in ways that protect historic character.
The following consultation closes on 24th December 2023:
https://historicengland.org.uk/about/what-we-do/consultations/guidance-open-for-consultation/
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Government’s Autumn Statement 2023
The government announced in its Autumn Statement 2023 published this month, that it intends to introduce new permitted development rights to make it easier to install heat pumps without the need for planning permission; and revise the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to support the roll-out of electrical vehicle charging points.
Read the full autumn statement here: https://tinyurl.com/444jrs87
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New SLCC Podcast – ‘Serious Violence: A joined-up approach’
SLCC’s podcast ‘Serious Violence: A joined-up approach’ is now live. In this episode Shelley Parker FSLCC, SLCC External Affairs & Policy Development Manager, is joined by retired Chief Constable, James Vaughan.
In this episode, James discusses recent upward trends in serious violence and how new measures such as the Violence Duty, Violence Reduction Units and Offensive Weapon Homicide Reviews are contributing to the response. We explore the vital role of local councils in working with other local partners to reduce violence and share some good practice on knife crime reduction from Dorset. James also reflects on the perception that knife-crime and serious violence is only a problem in large cities.
Reducing serious violence and particularly murder are among top priorities for the government. Following a 30-year career in policing, James has been appointed by the Home Secretary to chair a new national oversight committee, leading Offensive Weapon Homicide Reviews across England and Wales, in a structured pilot to understand how we can prevent murder in adults.
Listen to the podcast (login NOT required): https://www.slcc.co.uk/news-publications/slcc-podcasts/
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NALC Star Council Awards winners 2023
NALC announced its Star Council Awards winners at a dazzling ceremony held on 29 November 2023 at the prestigious House of Lords.
The winners of the Star Council Awards are:
• Council of the Year - Braunstone Town Council, Leicestershire and Rutland
• Councillor of the Year - Cllr Lorna Berrett, Botley and North Hinksey Parish Council, Oxfordshire
• Young Councillor of the Year - Cllr Cameron Palin, East Cowes Town Council, Isle of Wight
• County Association of the Year - Essex Association of Local Councils
• Clerk of the Year - Andrea Mann, Odiham Parish Council, Hampshire
The Awards were sponsored by Clear Councils Insurance, Aubergine, Blachere Illumination, Breakthrough Communications, CCLA, and DCK Accounting Solutions.
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Winter on the roads – 2023
It’s about to get REALLY busy for team Lincs Gritters. And that means it’s time for the Lincolnshire County Council gritter team to plunge into the freezing depths of the county, head out on our massive Lincolnshire road network and make things a lot safer for all of us.
It’s a job so huge that it’s difficult to understand.
To treat the majority of our 5,500 miles of county roads, nearly 30,000 tonnes of salt is stored across eight depots in our county. And any, or all, of our 47 gritters will be heading out multiple times a day when needed to spread the specially-treated salt on the routes we all use.
Lincolnshire’s Gritter Crew – the stats
• The county has a budget of £1.2m a year for salt. Last year the council spent £1,000,000 on the grippy stuff. The molasses-treated salt that is bought in will last for five years – this lifespan had never been tested though as the salt stored is always used well before the five years is up
• There are 47 Gritters that serve the county – these range from mainly 26-tonne gritters with 10-tonne hoppers, 18-tonne lorries with 6-tonne hoppers on the back and smaller 10-tonne versions with a 3-tonne hopper on the back
• LCC holds 29,200 tonnes of salt in the county’s depots
• On average, LCC uses 20,000 tonnes of salt a year
• The most salt ever used in one winter was across the 2010/11 ‘Beast from the East’ brutally cold season. That year a massive 38,000 tonnes of salt was put down on the roads
• There are 12 weather stations around the county feeding data back about the weather and road temperatures. LCC has access to eight others sited with other counties which help to more accurately predict weather systems as they come across the country
Read the full story: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/news/article/1688/winter-on-the-roads-2023
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LCC: Electric Vehicle Survey launched
We are seeking your views on electric vehicles and charging points. Current government plans call for the country to be Net Zero by 2050. As a result, EV sales have seen a dramatic increase over recent years.
We are committed to supporting our residents, businesses, and visitors in the switch to electric vehicles. We know we need to cater for a variety of different needs and want to hear more about your EV charging needs. Your feedback will help to provide potential locations for suitable charging points.
Read more: https://www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk/electric-vehicle-charging
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King's Portrait Scheme
The Cabinet Office first announced the scheme in April, with all public bodies able to apply for a free framed portrait of the monarch to celebrate the new reign, fully funded by the government. The scheme is being delivered in stages to help manage the portrait supply. Due to popular demand, local councils will be able to apply for a free portrait later in the scheme and will be notified when they can access the portrait scheme website.
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Lincolnshire Alert – Survey on cybercrime
Along with our Cyberhood Watch partner, Avast, we are launching the latest Cybercrime Survey which will help us understand the impact of online crime and scams on our members. There's also the opportunity of winning some very useful M&S vouchers!
Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YT2P3S5
The findings of the survey will be used to inform the ongoing Cyberhood Watch awareness initiatives and draw attention to important topics which will help everyone protect themselves - and their loved ones - from cyber criminals.
The survey will close on Friday 15 December - we'd really love to hear your views and of course, we will load the report onto our website once it is available so you can take a look for yourself!
Thanks in advance for your support in the fight against cybercrime in the UK.
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No council tax referendum principles in 2024/25
Government has listened to NALC’s call not to extend council tax referendum principles to local (parish and town) councils. One of the key asks in NALC’s manifesto is for local councils to have the freedom to set their precept without holding a referendum. Over the last year NALC’s chair, Cllr Keith Stevens, has continued to press this with ministers and Parliamentarians, including directly with the new local government minister, Simon Hoare MP, at last week’s parliamentary reception.
Read the local government finance policy statement 2024-2025: https://tinyurl.com/4659bjtn
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Latest Neighbourhood Watch newsletter
Includes:
• Reach out to your neighbour this Christmas - small ways you can make a big difference to your neighbours and community during the festive season
• SimpliSafe share their tips for protecting your home this Christmas.
• Remember to check your smoke alarms this Christmas - the Home Office shares their message on fire safety.
• Avast gives us Five Golden Tips to shop online safely.
Read the newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/2ah69358
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How to deal with negative bias on social media
Social media favours negative information. Becky Walsh has produced a short (8:33 minute) video for councils with tips on how to deal with negative bias on social media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhZXnkI27Pk
Clerks can sign up to Becky’s regular newsletters at www.beckwalsh.com.
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Councils in England warn of growing financial crisis
Read the article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67630756
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NALC calls for broadband access in highly remote areas
NALC has urged the government to ensure broadband connectivity reaches all hard-to-reach rural areas.
In NALC's response to the government's digital connectivity consultation on improving broadband for very hard-to-reach, it suggested the government prioritise giving isolated rural communities a baseline minimum broadband signal ahead of trying to accelerate the speed of connection in areas with strong broadband.
As a related issue, NALC has also called for new houses and businesses to be provided with in-built infrastructure to enable connection to fibre-optic broadband, which was critical for the growth of the rural economy and future jobs.
NALC also advised the government to work closely with them and other local government stakeholders, as many of their members represent rural areas.
NALC is supportive of the government's ambition to deliver nationwide gigabit-capable broadband as soon as possible and thinks that in the period to 2025, it is about right that the government is targeting a minimum of 85% gigabit-capable coverage and is working with the industry to accelerate delivery to get as close to 100% coverage as soon as possible.
Read the full consultation:
https://www.nalc.gov.uk/library/news-stories/3980-pr12-23-digital-connectivity-november-2023-1/file
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NALC’S coastal communities network publishes survey
NALC coastal communities national network met online on 23 November 2023 and has launched a survey to help shape the network’s future.
The coastal communities network is currently for local councils in coastal areas.
The survey aims to gain insight into the experiences of coastal communities within the local council sector and what they would like from their national network. The responses will help improve the delivery of future sessions and help the co-chairs focus on the networks' aims.
At the meeting, Dr. Joanne Williams from the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) delivered a presentation on rising sea levels and their impact on coastal communities. Dr. Williams emphasised the economic challenges of coastal flooding, discussed mitigation strategies, and highlighted the importance of controlling carbon emissions.
The session also included updates from the latest LGA Coastal Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting. Lisa Bowam focused on the SIG subgroups like Coastal Adaptation, Coastal Landfill, and Coastal Water Quality Working Groups. Lisa shared insights on ongoing collaborations, funding challenges, and initiatives addressing water quality issues. The network session concluded with a discussion, led by Stephanie Bennett, on litter clearance challenges in coastal areas that are legally protected, emphasising the need for clearer guidance for councils.
Complete the survey: https://tinyurl.com/2bdb3k6n
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Keep Britain Tidy Campaign: Buy Nothing New Month – January
This January, Buy Nothing New Month returns for its second year, and this year, we’re eager to work with our friends across the sector, in local government, and at charity retailers and other organisations to help reach as many people as possible.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate the money (and carbon) saving opportunities of shopping second hand, to educate our communities about ways to reduce waste, and to celebrate the work we’re already doing in pop-up swap shops, repair cafés and more.
From November 24, 2023, all those organisations that sign up to Buy Nothing New Month will be provided with a free digital resource pack to help you activate the campaign with their stakeholders. The pack will include posters, social media content, and tips for how to get involved in the campaign.
For local government, it's also a chance to promote the incredible work being done to reduce waste through pop-up clothes and uniform swap shops, repair cafés, and other initiatives.
Sign up now: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/i/0CB38FE6BC042907
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