ZOOM MEETINGS
We have been asked a few times whether it is essential to put a Zoom meeting link on an agenda. Our response has been that the notice requirements for parish council meetings as per the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12, paragraph 10(2) have not been disapplied by the 2020 Meetings Regulations and so the public notice of the time and place of the remote meeting has to be given. For the joining instructions for remote meetings, different practices are then taking place around the county, with some sending the (Zoom) meeting link in advance, whilst others ask for members of the public wishing to attend to request the link. We feel either is OK for now, but we may return to this topic later with further guidance.
LATEST NEWS ON FUNDING
The latest announcement from the government on extra funding for local government comes with their expectation that principal councils should pass on necessary support to our local council sector, but sadly not a ring fenced sum for our councils. Please see an example of a government response provided to us in Norfolk. You can read more in National ALC’s news story. NALC will be gathering more data on the response.
PARISHES – GREATER POWERS?
‘Parishes lined up for greater powers in devo White Paper ‘ was the headline on last week’s The MJ magazine. You can read more in this edition of the magazine for free.
OPENING UP PLAY AREAS
We previously steered you to guidance from API for a practical approach that conforms with Government guidance. We can now provide you with a link to a useful presentation from Mark Hardy, Chair of API, on risk assessment and the re-opening of play areas, for which the access password is 0T?.S1%#
VILLAGE HALLS AND COMMUNITY CENTRES
We believe that community centres and other buildings that have been closed because of Covid-19 may be able make a re-claim water rates paid. This could benefit a number of town & parish councils - let us know how you get on.
See link: https://www.wave-utilities.co.uk/covid19
SUPPORT AVAILABLE
National ALC has partnered with Team Doctor to offer a resource to local councils to help tackle issues around stress, anxiety, sleep, diet, exercise and workplace relationship issues. Team Doctor has interviewed the UK’s leading experts on sleep and their films offer some help and they are also offering two months access at no cost. Contact tim@teamdoctor.org for more details.
LATEST SCAM
There is yet another email scam going around. A councillor received an email ‘from the Chair’ asking for help, then another the email asked them to get vouchers. The next email asked for photos of the voucher pin numbers. Fortunately the councillor then realised it was a scam and did not follow through with the request.
CONTACTING US
A reminder that the number for Russell is now 07946 705787. Updated contact details for all the team are available at https://www.norfolkalc.gov.uk/contact-and-find-us.html . Next week, whilst Russell is on leave, calls with be forwarded, but suggest you maybe contact Gabbie, Helen or Maddy directly.
KEEPING IN TOUCH – ZOOM MEETINGS
We are now pausing the weekly catch-up meetings until 2 September. They will then again be on Wednesdays at 3.30pm for clerks and at 5pm for chairpersons, with links the same as before.
If you want to engage with our ‘well-being’ team, then please book onto the sessions at 3pm today and/ or tomorrow from 7pm. Email wellbeing@norfolkALC.gov.uk to get the link.
UPCOMING TRAINING
Coffee & Neighbourhood Plan Question-time
23 July 2020
3.30pm-4.30pm
A Zoom meeting with Rachel Leggett, our experienced Norfolk-based Neighbourhood Plan Consultant provides you with a chance to chat through your questions about where you are at with your Neighbourhood Plan. Bring your own coffee and questions. Free to member councils, but must be booked (via our website).
We have been further updating our programme of Zoom training sessions – details are provided at the link below.
STALHAM VACANCY
There was an error in the original contact email address for the Town Clerk recruitment at Stalham Town Council. Please ensure you use the updated email now shown at the link below.
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