Update to Model Financial Regulations

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

Update to Model Financial Regulations

As you know, NALC issued new Model Financial Regulations in May, following the repeal of S150 (5) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Following numerous comments and questions, NALC has now taken the opportunity to review and tidy up certain drafting errors and has issued an updated version of the Model Financial Regulations, which will soon be available on the DAPTC website.

The over – riding requirement resulting from the abolition of S150 (5) is that each and every local council seeking to depart from the two signature rule must ‘implement and maintain robust controls on expenditure as an integrated part of their overall financial control system’.

The Model Financial Regulations are designed to provide a suggested template for such systems and controls. They are not intended to be a prescriptive requirement, merely a framework and it is for each council to adapt them to their individual size, organisational structure and practice procedures. As such, constructive debate on the eventual detailed content of the council’s new financial regulations to be adopted is essential and to be encouraged.

Parishes Encouraged To Make Direct Proposals to DCLG Under Sustainable Communities Act 2007

NALC is actively promoting parish use of the Act, as five proposals have already been submitted to DCLG, with more in the pipeline. Parishes are very strongly encouraged to continue to submit appropriate direct proposals to DCLG under the Act. A proposal submitted by Bleaden Parish Council in Somerset, on electronic agenda has recently become the first parish proposal in principle, to be accepted under the Act.

All parishes need to have sight of the link on the NALC webpage before making proposals under the Act.

New NALC Website

NALC now has a new website which can be accessed at

Direct access councils will have been notified by NALC regarding new member login details.

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

Domestic Abuse Conference - 27 November 2014

Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner and Women’s Action Network Dorsetare co-hosting a free conference in partnership with Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Councils, and the South Western Domestic Violence and Abuse Forum.

The conference is being held at the BovingtonPark, Cologne Rd, Bovington, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6NU on Thursday 27th November, 09.30-16.00.

The Conference is suitable for existing practitioners, or people who work with individuals of all ages, who may be subject to domestic violence and abuse. The conference is free, but delegates who have booked and fail to attend will be invoiced £20.

To receive a booking form and register your interest, or for more information please email

Review of Dorset's health services

NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has announced it will be reviewing the way NHS care is provided in Dorset in order to sustain a high quality of care for people living in the county.
The review is the first to be done in the UK, making NHS Dorset CCG a leader in building a health service capable of supporting the needs of local patients in the future.
The review of Dorset’s health services follows research showing the NHS is facing significant challenges. In Dorset, these challenges include changing population, clinical standards and financial pressures.
The review will be undertaken in partnership with GPs, hospitals, local authorities and the public, and will go through three stages. Find out more at

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.

NALC Future Local - Larger Councils Conference 2014
Wednesday 3 December 2014

Galleon Suites,Royal National Hotel, London, WC1H ODG

Minister for Government Policy Oliver Letwin MP, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party Chairman Annette Brooke MP and Labour’s Policy Review Chief Jon Cruddas MP (invited) will give keynote speeches on devolution, localism and local government at NALC's conference for larger councils onWednesday 3 December 2014in London.

For a full programme information pleaseclick here

STOUR ROTARY HAS PROVIDED FUNDING FOR OUTREACH YOUTH SERVICES IN SURROUNDING VILLAGES.

We can bring out the Youth Centre outreach busto provide either fun activities such as art and craft or sport; or more community based activities, depending on your needs. We can bring the bus into the village, however we do need a safe place to operate from and would be grateful for your assistance in this. The approximate lengthof vehicleis 9 meters.We would also need your help to advertise within your community, although we can help with posters and notifying schools. We could come for a two and half hour session (with setting up and cleaning up time of half an hour, and two hours of practical time). We could come at a time and date that can be arranged to suit you and us.

Thank you for your interest and hope to hear from you soon.

Jo Clarke. Project Development Worker, Blandford Area Youth and Community Centre. Please email if interested

Dorset Community Action Annual Funding Fair

The Dorset Community Action Funding Fair, now in its 3rd year, provides an opportunity for local community groups, charities and social enterprises to meet face to face with funders and receive advice and guidance to help them make better, more competitive applications and develop more sustainable income strategies.
The event is to be held on Thursday 6 November at the Community Learning and Resource Centre, Wimborne and East Dorset District Council is pleased to be supporting this years event. Groups will be able to come and talk face to face with;

• The Big Lottery
• Lloyds Bank Foundation
• The Charity Bank
• Virgin Money Giving
• Viridor
• TalbotVillage Trust
• Sported
• Safer Dorset Fund
• and more......

Dorchester Area Partnership Community Lunch

The theme for the next Dorchester Area Community lunch is Community Safety. It is being held on Thursday 20 November, 12.15pm at The Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester. The cost for food is £4.50 and booking is essential. Bookings can be made by email or Tel 01305 216403.

Cynthia Starkey

Chief Executive

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