Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth – 14 March 2016

 Letter from NALC Chairman, Cllr Ken Browse  encouraging town and parish councils to fly the flag next year on Commonwealth Day 14th March 2016

"9th March this year marked Commonwealth Day 2015. Over 750 Commonwealth flags were raised together at 10am that morning by local authorities (including 191 town councils) and a small number of others, throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth, with His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary-General, raising the final flag outside the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey, London, before attending the annual Commonwealth Observance there that day.

This was the largest, single, raising of the Commonwealth flag in the history of the Commonwealth, which bodes well for the future, especially as this event is to become an annual occasion growing in size and stature over the next few years, involving the countries and communities of all the other 52 Commonwealth countries on Commonwealth Day each year, (which always falls on the second Monday in March).

I have pleasure therefore, in asking all local (parish and town) councils, to download the 2016 Guide To Taking Part from the Fly a Flag website, and would like to encourage your participation in this unique, annual occasion, that will bring the communities and countries of the Commonwealth together in a common celebration of this great family of nations, its diverse cultures and communities.

Please go to page 5 of the guide to enable you to see how you can take part, and where to obtain your 90' x 54' Commonwealth flag for the 14 March 2016. (Once used, the flag can be stored away in readiness for Commonwealth Day 2017 and beyond, so please look upon the purchase of the Commonwealth flag as an investment for the future).

Your flag could either be raised by your mayor, chairman of the council, or you may wish to invite a young person from a local school to raise it on your behalf, especially as the youth of the Commonwealth are the future of the Commonwealth.

It is important that those taking part, should complete the online registration form found at Fly a Flag by no later than the 29 January 2016 to ensure your involvement is registered to enable the public and media alike, to attend your flag raising ceremony on the morning of the 14 March 2016. (Those that have taken part previously do not have to re-register their involvement unless the town or parish clerk has changed).

Does your parish council use maps?

If so have you registered for the Public Service Mapping Agreement?

The Public Sector Mapping Agreement (PSMA) began on 1 April 2011 and gives public sector organisations in England and Wales access to Ordnance Survey products.

Membership of the PSMA gives your council access to high quality mapping in a digital format which brings many benefits and can support a wide range of activities.

The PSMA is a partnership between the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and Ordnance Survey. It is centrally funded for any public sector body that is eligible to access and use of a selection of high quality digital map products. This includes parish councils.
 
For more information on the PSMA and the benefits of joining please see below. 


https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/business-and-government/public-sector/parish-communities/index.html

 Berkshire County Training CIC dates for new councillor training

Who should come?

This training is designed for newly elected councillors; it will be of help to new or inexperienced clerks too. More experienced councillors may find it useful as a refresher and reminder of roles and responsibilities.

The evening will be run by Kim Bedford a very experienced and recently retired County Officer of Gloucestershire Association or Local Councils.

What does it cover?

• The role and responsibilities of a Councillor.
• Examining how the four key components fit together - Councillor, (Code of Conduct) Council, Chairman and Clerk.
• How a council works; the law, procedures, meetings and a place for committees.
• How to fulfil compliance, accountability and transparency requirements as a statutory body.
• Forward thinking - discussing possible future changes.
• How to work with and engage with the community to ensure that you work with and for them.

There will be time for questions and networking. 

Cost

BALC Members    £40 + £8 VAT = £48

Non Members       £80 + £16 VAT = £96

VAT registration number: 186 1942 79

Dates and Booking

To book a place at one of these sessions please click on the appropriate link below.

All training sessions are being held at the Calcot Centre, Highview, RG31 4XD which is just off Junction 12 of the M4.

Click here to book on Wednesday 15th July, 6.00 - 9.30pm

Click here to book on Wednesday 9th September, 6.00 -  9.30pm

Hartley Wintney Parish Council, Hampshire is seeking a forward thinking, dynamic individual for the full time post of Executive Clerk. As Proper Officer for the Council, the Clerk manages council business, assisting and advising councillors in all aspects of local government administration and ensuring they comply with their legal and financial obligations. 

The successful applicant will also be the council’s Responsible Financial Officer managing all aspects of the council’s finances. Experience in local government is essential. The successful applicant will hold, or be willing to achieve, the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CILCA) 

Salary SCP 38 (£32,778)

For full details and an application pack please visit www.hartleywintney.org.uk or contact the Parish Office on 01252 845152 or clerk@hartleywintney.org.uk 

Closing date for applications is 5pm on Thursday 2nd July 

Interviews will be held Wednesday 8th July

Consultation for the M4 Smart Motorway is open until the 3rd July 2015

Consultation for the M4 Smart Motorway is open until the 3rd July 2015. 

You can find more information here: http://infrastructure.planningportal.gov.uk/projects/south-east/m4-junctions-3-to-12-smart-motorway/

NALC Whats next for local councils? 15th July

Who's in charge? What's in store for local government and what stance is taken on town and parish councils?

From start to finish, this one day conference will give you a comprehensive overview of the post-election landscape, of the government's priorities and the implications for our sector.
With a range of influential speakers from government, and former Ministers you will learn directly from the key figures in local government.

Former Ministers will reflect on experience and provide lessons for councils, county associations and sector bodies on getting the most out of dealings with MPs and ministers, looking at what works, and importantly what doesn't.

NALC chief executive, Jonathan Owen will outline our plans and priorities; academics will provide analysis of the election outcome and the challenges ahead for parishes and experts from the media and public affairs will prepare you for those challenges – with practical advice on how to get your message across through effective advocacy, lobbying and campaigning.
This exciting one-day conference will be jam-packed with eye-opening, informative and practical sessions and is not to be missed.

 Book here to attend

Public consultation on the 2021 Census in England and Wales starts

The next census in England and Wales will be in 2021 and as part of the census research programme, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today launches a 12 week public consultation asking users for their views on the topics that the 2021 Census might include.  ONS wants to determine the information that users want and need from the 2021 Census, and which data will in future be needed for policy, business, and administrative purposes within the public and private sectors. 

ONS is encouraging people to respond online to their current proposals
https://consultations.ons.gov.uk/census/2021-census-topics-consultation

More information on the topic consultation, including a PDF of  the "Initial View on Content for England and Wales", is available at
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/census/2021-census/consultations/index.html

Anyone can take part in this public consultation which closes on Thursday 27 August and users’ feedback will inform further research, development of questions, and other engagement activities.

Topic Consultation Roadshows - Help to shape the 2021 Census

ONS are running four regional roadshows to support this consultation. There will be examples, extra information and a chance for you to put your questions to experienced ONS staff.          

We would be delighted if you can attend, but stress that attendance is not necessary for you to take part in the topic consultation.  


Road show dates and venues
22 June 2015 Newcastle        10:00 to 13:30
23 June 2015 Birmingham         10:00 to 13:30
24 June 2015 Cardiff                10:00 to 13:30
25 June 2015 London                10:00 to 13:30

Book a place by emailing: 2021census.consultation@ons.gov.uk
There are limited places at these events, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

NALC Legal Topic Note 16 on litter updated

LTN 16 has been updated to include current legislation and to take account of the repeal of ss.92-94A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.  The repealed provisions contained principal authority powers to issue Litter abatement notices, Litter cleaning notices and Street litter control notices.


All NALC Legal Topic Notes can be found in the Members Area of the NALC website. Your clerk has the Username and Password to access the Members Area.