This week, NALC released the Tree Charter case study publication which, captures the stories of local councils who were featured in the monthly Tree Charter newsletter.
The Centre for Ageing Better published its Ageing in a rural place report. With roughly 70% of local councils are in rural areas, the report looks at the specific challenges that rural populations face, such as housing, employment, protection of local buildings and assets, and transport links. Find out more about the Centre for Ageing Better work.
If you are responsible for street lighting or running a community building, then a recent talk by Clear Utility Solutions hosted by WALC might be of interest.
Natural England last week published a new Countryside Code to help people enjoy the outdoors as lockdown restrictions ease. A timely publication for rural councils facing the social problems that come with increased footfall, the accompanying informational posters promote respect for others, protection of the environment, and responsible enjoyment of the outdoors.
The Great British Spring Clean campaign 2021 has been launched by Keep Britain Tidy. From 28 May to 13 June 2021, #LitterHeroes across the country are encouraged to get outside and get active, while helping Keep Britain Tidy on their mission to clean up a million miles of UK streets, coastline, parks, footpaths and neighbourhoods.
It is with great sadness that the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and Warwickshire and West Midlands Association of Local Councils (WALC) has learned of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
Cllr Sue Baxter, NALC chairman, said
I know that those in the local (parish and town) council sector would join me in extending their condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and members of the Royal Family.
NALC has issued the following advice.
"There is an official period of mourning up to and including next Saturday 17 April (see Government Guidance). We understand that the period started last Friday 9th April. The period of mourning triggers the provisions of s243 of the 1972 Act. As a result, these days should be excluded for calculation of time and any timescales that end in this period should be postponed until the first day after the period in accordance with section 243 of the 1972 Act."
As we emerge from COVID-19 and hopefully move back into a more “normal” calendar year structure for meetings, we would encourage Councils to review their existing policies and procedures and consider when they require review and approval by full council.
Legal Topic Note (LTN) 37 on Freedom of Information has been updated.
NALC has made the content more practical, relevant and council specific and we have added links to user-friendly guidance. As per the previous version, the LTN contains guidance on the right of access to information, responding to FOI requests and the exemptions that can be applied.
View LTN37 (login required)
A free webinar, held on 31st March 2021, for parish and town councils, offering practical strategies and tactics to manage a crisis effectively, hosted by Breakthrough Communications. With guest panelist Jackie Weaver
In this webinar our panel of experts will look at how councils can prepare for future crises that may arise, how to manage them effectively from a communications perspective when they happen, and what to do afterwards.
Robert Jenrick MP, secretary of state at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), has written to council leaders about remote meetings to confirm the government will not bring forward emergency legislation on this issue at this time. NALC's chairman, Cllr Sue Baxter, has responded to express her disappointment, as has the Local Government Association (LGA) in their statement.