Rule changes on sending agendas electronically - one click closer

The Government has written to NALC confirming their intention to clarify rules on sending agendas electronically to councillors.

NALC has long pressed for this change  to help parish and town councils modernise how they operate. 

The letter from the Department for Communities and Local Government to NALC’s chief executive takes forward an ongoing commitment from the local government minister Brandon Lewis MP on this issue, reiterated last week in response to a written parliamentary question from shadow minister Andy Sawford MP.

In his response Brandon Lewis MP said: “Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires local authorities (both principal and parish councils) to send summonses to attend meetings by post. Reflecting the take-up of digital communications, Ministers are minded to issue an Order under Section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000 to facilitate this being done electronically; although we do believe that councillors should continue to have a right to receive communications in hard copy by post should they wish, and that this should be reflected in any legislative change. We will be undertaking an informal sounding shortly on the wording of any draft Order with key partners, including the Local Government Association and the National Association of Local Councils.”

Councillor Ken Browse, Chairman of NALC said: “This reform to rules over forty years old is long overdue but very welcome and will help parish and town councils operate more efficiently and effectively. I am grateful for the cross-party support on this issue and shows the voice of our important tier of local government is being heard and acted upon”.

The Government intend to make an Order later this month.
 

Sensible risk in local government

Published 9th April 2014 by SLCC


The Health and Safety Executive has updated its general guidance for local government. Whilst many of the features relate to services provided by principal councils there is some really helpful advice on topics such as erecting Christmas lights, assessing burial ground memorials, and organising events, which will be of particular interest, as well as some very useful general principles.

It is also possible to subscribe to regular local government updates.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/services/localgovernment/sensible-risk/index.htm?ebul=locgov&cr=1/apr14

Berkshire Community Foundation Flood Damage Grants

If your voluntary or community group is working directly to assist in flood relief or recovery efforts you may be eligible to apply for a Foundation Grant. Small charities or social enterprises such as community shops may also apply if their day to day activity has been affected by the flooding.

What for? 

• If any groups have worked with people impacted by the flooding or have suffered any damage to property etc then please get in touch with Berkshire Community Foundation (see email contact below). 
• Grants are made between £1,000 and £10,000 to groups who have been affected by the flooding.

These may include:-

• Groups who have incurred unbudgeted costs supporting those who have been affected by the flooding during February and March 2014
• Groups who have sustained damage to either property or assets that cannot be recovered through insurance
• Groups closely linked to communities who are undertaking activities that support those who have been affected by flooding.

Consideration will be given for the funding of plans for future resilience. Groups are requested to seek the endorsement of their local Parish Council or Ward Member. 

Priority will be given to groups who have close local connections and where the activities are driven by those who have been affected.


How Much?
Between £1,000 and £10,000


More Information
Please email grants@berkshirecf.org for further details


Bruce Wright Funding Matters
email brucewright7@btopenworld.com
phone 01626 867 604

Third Neighbourhood Plan designation for Wokingham Borough

Sarah Hollamby, Head of Development Policy and Planning, (third from left) receives the joint Arborfield and Newland and Barkham Parish Councils' Neighbourhood Plan area application from Pam Stubbs, chairman of Barkham Parish Council.

Arborfield and Newland and Barkham Parish Councils have submitted a Neighbourhood Area application  to Wokingham Borough which shows that they intend to work together to prepare a Neighbourhood Development Plan for the entire area of both parishes. As part of the application, the parish councils have submitted a proposed boundary for the Neighbourhood Development Plan area and a supporting statement.

Shinfield  Parish Council have made substantial progress with their plan. 

In West Berkshire Stratfield Mortimer Parish Council has also applied to have their parish designated for a Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Employment Allowance £2,000 does not apply to parish councils

Did your council receive a letter from David Cameron earlier this month about the new Employment Allowance? It offers the potential to reduce your National Insurance Contributions.

Unfortunately, this does not apply to parish councils; the following link makes the position clear that parish councils are excluded employers –

https://www.gov.uk/employment-allowance-up-to-2000-off-your-class-1-nics

Parish councils are not charities or businesses so are not elegible unless HMRC wish to revise their guidance.

Heritage Memorial Trail for Wokingham

 According to the GetReading website a Heritage Memorial Trail uncovering heroic tales and ancestry in the borough is being planned to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of First World War.

Town and parish councils are joining together to highlight the borough’s many memorials, with organisers waiting on a bid for thousands of pounds of extra funding to produce exhibition stands and digital stories of the fallen.

Do you live in an interesting home?

BBC One are looking for people who live in interesting homes in across Berkshire and would be happy to try a home swap holiday for a new TV series.

Do you live in an interesting home you’d be happy to swap with someone elsewhere in the UK for a short break?

It could be anything from a charming cottage, an interesting conversion, to a modern open plan apartment!

IF SO THEN GET IN TOUCH NOW!

For an application form please email homeswapholidays@bbc.co.uk  with your contact details