Local Council Award Scheme Launched

Part 1Matters affecting parish and town councils directly (including principal authority consultations etc.)

Local Council Award Scheme Launched

The new Local Council Award Scheme was launched on 6 January 2015. Information about the scheme, including the Local Council Award Scheme Guide and link to the NALC registration form, can be found at .

A free offer of foundation level status has been made by NALC to all existing quality councils. Over 250 councils nationally have registered with the scheme (through the pilots, free foundation offer to existing quality councils and a handful of councils completely new to the scheme).

Charlotte Eisenhart, Improvement and Development Manager at NALC will be making a presentation about the Local Council Award Scheme at the DAPTC Annual Conference at Kingston Maurward on 25 February.

Public Works Loan Board

The Government has tabled an amendment to the Infrastructure Bill which would enable the Government to abolish the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) and transfer its lending functions to another body using the process set out in the Public Bodies Act 2011. The Government plans to set out its proposals on transferring the lending functions to another bodyin a consultation document, in due course.

DCLG are aware that most parish and town councils that undertake borrowing, obtain loans from the PWLB, and want to reassure you that this reform is about governance only; i.e. it is a machinery of Government change. The proposals will have no impact on existing loans held by local councils, nor will they alter the policy or procedures for any future loans.

Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities

The Government has published the final version of the Transparency Code, which replaces the need for an external audit for local councils with turnover less than £25,000.

The Code will require the online publication of information which the Government says will provide taxpayers with a clear picture of council activities, spending and governance, and will improve the ability of communities to hold local public bodies to account.

The code can be accessed at:

Section 137 Spending

DCLG has informed NALC that the appropriate sum for the purpose of section 137(4)(a) of the Local Government Act 1972 for local councils in England for 2015-16 is £7.36 per elector.

Part 2Government and other statements, consultations, etc. which might have an impact on parish and town councils.

Sustainable Communities Act

NALC has asked the Government to think again about its opposition to giving local councils a percentage slice of the business rates under the Sustainable Communities Act.

The Sustainable Communities Advisory Board set up under the Government’s 2007 Sustainable Communities Act agreed recently to support Sevenoaks Town Council’s request for its business rates proposal to be sent back to DCLG to be looked at again. This is the first time the Board has used its powers to ask the Government to reconsider its decision.

DCLG Select Committee on planning

A DCLG Select Committee on the operation of the National Framework Planning Policy has recommended that principal councils must move more quickly to get an adopted plan in place because this will help communities prevent unwanted and unsustainable development in their area and stop inappropriate housing as a result of speculative planning applications.

The report also highlights the failure of the current Community Infrastructure Levy regime, and raises concerns that parish and town councils might not receive infrastructure funding when the principal authority has decided not to charge CIL, particularly in Neighbourhood Planning areas.

To see full report:

Part 3Training, job opportunities, marketplace offers, funding sources etc. potentially of interest to parish and town councils. – Note: - commercial advertisements passed on via this element of the circular do not imply that the organisations are recommended or preferred by DAPTC.

Crossways Parish Council

Vacancy for Clerk / Responsible Financial Officer

Due to a forthcoming retirement Crossways Parish Council has a requirement for a Parish Clerk, working 16 hours per week including some evenings.

The Clerk is responsible for the agenda and minutes of the monthly council meetings, the council finances, liaison with other bodies and members of the public, correspondence and e-mails etc.

Candidates should have good communication skills and be computer literate, particularly in Microsoft Word and Excel.

The Council does not have an office. Therefore the Clerk will be expected to work at home and provide some document storage. A computer, printer and office sundries will be provided as will a dedicated telephone line.

There is no requirement for the post holder to live within the Parish but they will be required to make journeys around the area as necessary to fulfil their duties and to attend meetings. Expenses will be paid as appropriate.

The salary for this position ranges from £8.613 to £9.900 per hour dependent upon qualifications and experience as well as the successful completion of a three month trial period.

A detailed job description and further information is available from the Council’s Chairman, Mr Andrew Brewer on 01305 853125 or by e mail to

Applications in writing, including a CV and contact details of two referees, should be sent to:-

Mr Andrew Brewer, Summer Cottage, 13 Warmwell Road, Crossways, Dorset, DT2 8BS or by e mail to

Closing date for applications: 31 January 2015

It is hoped to hold interviews during the week commencing 9 February 2015

Cynthia Starkey

Chief Executive

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