NALC to lead sector led audit body to replace Audit Commission for Smaller Authorities

The Government has backed a proposal from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) to lead the national procurement of audit for parish and town (local) councils and other smaller bodies from 2017.

In one of his first acts since becoming local government minister, Marcus Jones MP has rubber stamped plans by NALC to set up a ‘sector-led body’ to procure audit for smaller public sector bodies, working in partnership with the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) and the Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA).

The minister’s decision was discussed during his first meeting with NALC chairman Cllr Ken Browse and since followed up in a letter to the umbrella body for England’s 9,000 local councils.

The move follows the abolition of the Audit Commission in April of this year and is an early show support by the new government for NALC and an increasingly sector-led approach to supporting and promoting good governance in the parish sector, who have been described as England’s ‘localist powerhouse’ and are responsible for spending hundreds of millions of pounds of public money each year.

NALC has been calling for a move to a sector-led approach to appointing auditors since the former secretary of state for communities and local government, Eric Pickles MP – who was recently knighted by the Queen – announced plans to abolish the Audit Commission after the 2010 general election.

Throughout the passage of the Local Audit and Accountability Act – the legislation which closed down the independent public corporation which had existed for 33 years – NALC argued the process would be complex and costly if small public bodies such as parishes had to procure auditors themselves, proposing a self-financing body be set up to handle these responsibilities and also overseeing the quality and timeliness of auditors' work.

NALC has been working closely with the previous and new government on the future of audit for local councils, Internal Drainage Boards and Port Health Authorities, with the creation of one single body central to delivering shared objectives for increased transparency and a cost effective and quality audit regime.

Its Not Too Late for your Council to submit a Transparency Fund Application!

 NALC’s Chief Executive, Dr Jonathan Owen, advised last week:

‘Grants to smaller Parish and Town Councils from the Transparency Fund has now topped £500,000!  Those councils with a turnover of less than £25,000 and who have not applied are still encouraged to do so, information can be found through your local county association and on the NALC website’.  

Examples of what your Council may be able to claim a grant for include: Computer, scanner, broadband access and training. 

The link to this is here       

If your Council wish to apply please contact the County Executive Officer at the Berkshire Association of Local Councils.

External Audit: Extension of Deadline for opting out of the “Sector-led Body” arrangements

Published on the SLCC Website on the 15th January 2016

'The Board of Smaller Authorities' Appointments Ltd (the 'sector-led body') has confirmed that the deadline for councils to 'opt out' of the SLB external audit arrangements is 31 March 2016. This is an extension from the earlier 31 January deadline.

Councils which wish to opt out and appoint their own external auditors must do so by resolution of the full council. They will wish to be aware of the statutory procedures for appointing external auditors (including the requirement to have an auditor panel consisting wholly or mainly of independent members) as set out in sections 7 to 18 and Schedules 3 to 5 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014.

HOT OFF OF THE PRESS - 2016 The Good Councillor's Guide

The National Training Strategy has published an essential guidance for local (parish and town) Councillors. The guide is a resource primarily aimed for new Councillors but also can be for those thinking about becoming a local councillor. Indeed this is a guide useful for long established councillor. 

At a time when the Government is pushing ahead with new devolution plans to move power from Whitehall to local communities, there are huge opportunities for local people to become local leaders. Whether helping an area to survive the harsh economic climate, protecting services that are under threat, or providing the events, culture and fun that puts the heart into each local community – town and parish (local) councils have never had a better opportunity to make a difference.

The guide looks at new powers that local councils have after the Localism Act 2011 came into force as well as councillors responsibilities; what they can do and must not do; processes around meetings; delivery of service; and lots of tips explaining in simple terms the broader world of local government.

Further it explores some of the main issues and challenges facing local councillors today and includes hints on how to be successful in this position of being a community leader. Whether you have a few hours to spare or just 10 minutes, you will find helpful information in this guide about the areas in which you may become involved.


Cllr Ken Browse, chair of National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and its Improvement and Development Board (IDB) said: “This latest edition of the guide is available at a crucial time for communities where there are significant opportunities available and some of these are around being local councillors and making a real difference in your neighbourhood. I would urge you to use this guide as introduction into the work local councils and the part you could play as a councillor in the tier of local government closest to the people.”

To view a copy follow the link  below to the members area of the NALC webiste  
Good Councillor's Guide 2016
(Please note that in order to access this you will need your NALC log in details)

Hard copies of the Good Councillor’s Guide can be ordered by contacting the Berkshire Association of Local Councils.  Cost £2 per guide (plus postage and packing).

Pay Award 2016-18: Unions reject employers' offer

 

Published on the SLCC Website on 20th January 2016

The Employers' Side of the National Joint Council for Local Government Services (NJC) made a final two-year pay offer to the Trade Union Side in December of 1% on spinal column point (SCP) 18 and above on both 1st April 2016 and 1st April 2017 with larger increases for SCP’s below 18. At a further meeting on 19th January 2016 two of the three unions, UNISON and Unite, agreed to consult their members on the pay offer with a recommendation that it be rejected.
Any agreement reached eventually will apply to all local council staff employed on NJC terms including the SLCC/NALC model contract.

Click on the following documents for full details, Local Government Pay 2016 and Pay Negotiations Update.

New NALC Neighbourhood Planning Notes

NALC have published a new edition of notes on Neighbourhood Planning which includes the latest Neighbourhood Planning News and recent updates including:

• Housing and Planning Bill
• Raising awareness and building capability
• Creating a Parish Council
• National updates

This can be downloaded from the NALC website via the link below 

http://www.nalc.gov.uk/news/entry/447-a-new-edition-of-notes-on-neighbourhood-planning-has-been-published 

 (please note that in order to access this you will need your NALC log in details).

Updated NALC Legal Briefing LO5-15 re Public Contracts Regulations 2015 - and impact on Standing Orders and Financial Regulations

NALC has updated its Legal Briefing L05 - 15 (Public Contracts Regulations 2015 - impact on the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations adopted by Councils) have been updated because the financial thresholds in the Public Contracts Directive 2014/24/EU which apply to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 were amended in November 2015 and take effect from 1 January 2016.

This can be downloaded from the NALC website via the link below (please note that in order to access this you will need your NALC log in details).


http://www.nalc.gov.uk/library/members-library/briefings/contract-1/1859-l05-15-public-contracts-regulations-2015-impact-on-standing-orders-adopted-by-councils-january-2016/file