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DAPTC E-News 14 October 2022 
Please forward this email to elected members for news on training offers and key messages for the sector.
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Kingston Maurward
HELLO EVERYONE | This week has been quite frantic finalising motions for the 2022 DAPTC AGM and getting the last minute planning done for the Clerks' Conference at Kingston Maurward. This event is a one off in as much it is focused almost entirely on two topics covering the Dorset Council Area. These are the development of a Working Together document and Standards in Public Life. We have 60 clerks and their colleagues in attendance plus another 20 guests and exhibitors. We will also be announcing the 4 lucky recipients of supported development for the CiLCA qualification which starts in November.

BUDGETING | I have joined 2 or 3 calls this week where nationally and regionally a picture is emerging of earlier than normal discussions about budgets for 2023/24. The general view is this budget round  is testing and stretching clerks/RFOs more so than ever before. Please allow for the possibility of extra budget discussion rounds and therefore, more meetings in the schedule. Some tough decisions are being talked about in terms of suspension of projects and releasing earmarked reserves no longer considered vital. One appeal - please don't forget that the cost of living crisis we are all feeling, also extends to your employees!

NALC STAR AWARDS | The Star Awards this week on NALC's YouTube channel were not unlike the National Television Awards screened last night - very glitzy and with fanfares! Well done to all the winners across the many categories. Sadly, the two Dorset entrants, namely DAPTC and Bridport Town Council didn't get scoop a prize, but at least made the shortlist.

DIGITAL REGISTER OF INTERESTS | We are having a purge of interests registered online in the Dorset Council area to keep elected members compliant. Can all councillors please help support their clerks by acting on the requests to either check their register of interests is up to date and displayed. The immediate priority is to make sure the Dorset Council A to Z of parish and town councils page where they are displayed is correct and then in turn your own council webpages. Painful, but necessary.

FUTURE HR LEGISLATION | Occasionally we like to float some forward looking content and further down in the e-news Chris Moses from Personnel Advice & Solutions gives a great summary of the potential changes being looked at post Brexit and how it might impact our sector. Worth a read, but no immediate action.

6 MAY 2023 CORONATION DATE SET | The date has been set, but so far it's too early to say what, if any plans there may be that involve parish and town councils. We will keep you abreast of any news from the National association of Civic Officers (NACO) and the Dorset Lieutenancy. We know some councils are already planning events and from what we see - you will again no doubt, deliver for your communities. Keep up the great work.

OUR HAPPY TO CHAT BENCHES | I finish this week with a chance to share a lovely idea from Maggie and Barry Foot who wrote to me earlier this week. It's not a new idea, but a great one and they asked if I could share their letter with parish and town councils. Open the letter here to read what it's all about.:  Maggie and Barry Foot

And......don't forget to keep checking upcoming courses on our webpages by clicking the image below - the finance training is a) very pertinent right now and b) is pitched spot on for parishes and towns. They book up very quickly, but there are plenty of dates | Parkinson Partnership Finance Training

Have a great weekend

Neil
Head to our training page for course dates and topics | Download a printable schedule here: DAPTC TRAINING DATES
Breaking News.......
DORSET COUNCIL - COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE REVIEW
 
A message from Jacqui Andrews, Service Manager for Democratic & Electoral Services 
 

As you will be aware, a number of parishes were removed from the Final Recommendations of the Community Governance Review (CGR) that took place between July 2021 and July 2022 to enable further consultation to be undertaken with local residents, local councils and other interested parties in respect of these parishes.

A report will be considered by Full Council on 20 October 2022 setting out Terms of Reference and timetable for a further CGR.  You will be able to find the report with draft terms of reference on this page

An 8 week consultation period will commence on 1 November when you will be invited to consider a number of options and comment on these.  There will also be a “free text” box where you can add some commentary about the proposals and any alternatives.  The Consultation Paper and the online consultation survey will be available on this page from 1 November.  

It is important that any submissions you make to the Council demonstrate electoral equality – ie each Councillor will represent roughly the same number of electors.  It would also be helpful if you can provide information on how any alternative proposals you may suggest will ensure community cohesion eg what are the links within the community that leads you to recommend that certain areas should be linked together eg in the same ward or parish. 

If you have any queries in respect of the proposals, please do not hesitate to contact the Team at the cgr@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk address.

The Future of UK Employment Law – The EU Law Revocation and Reform Bill and how it affects Town and Parish Councils FIND OUT MORE HERE
INFORMATION | GUIDANCE | ADVICE
 
1.   Do you currently us the Rialtas Software Products?

We have been informed by Caroline Buckland, the Managing Director at Rialtas Business Solutions that the business is to be sold with immediate effect to N Harris Computing Corporation. 

If you are a Town or Parish Council that currently uses the Rialtas Software products, e.g., for allotments and/or cemetaries', you may be worried on what impact the sale of the business will have on your council continuing to use the Rialtas software products.

The attached letter, which can be read here, gives further details and explanations about the sale and also a question-and-answer sheet should further information be required.

2.   Are you weather ready?

Nigel Osborne, Emergency Management and Resilience Officer at Dorset Council, has made us aware for following news release from the Met Office.

Are you WeatherReady?

New research from the Met Office suggests that 55% of people in the UK with vulnerable neighbours or relatives would check on them ahead of severe winter weather.  Feel free to share this information widely with your own contacts.
 
3.   NALC Points of Light 2022 publication 

NALC have recently announced that the 2022 edition of their Points of Light has now been published and is available to read here.

Points of Light is a collection of case studies highlighting the work that local (parish and town) councils are undertaking to support their communities. Each case study features a summary of the work carried out alongside electorate, precept and expenditure figures of the local councils involved.

Examples of work carried out by parish and town councils in this year’s edition include: facilitating summer activity sessions for local children, running award-winning sports and community facilities, carrying out town centre improvements, funding a community agent post, and supporting a cost-of-living day.

There are a number entries within the publication from Dorset councils, so please take a look to find out what your fellow members are up to, both locally and nationally.
DAPTC website - job vacancies page
          
NALC On-Line Events 

NALC are interested in hearing your views on their programme of events and any comments on what you wish to see for next year.  The survey closes at 23:45 on 4th November 2022.
 
Local Councils and communications strategies - 26th October 2022 12pm - 1.15pm  Click here for more information
 
NALC to hold its first-ever hybrid conference - Empowering Communities
 
NALC will hold its first-ever hybrid conference later this year. Empowering Communities takes place on 7 November 2022 between 10am and 4pm at America Square Conference Centre in London.

In person Ticket - up to £130 for NALC member
Virtual Ticket - up to £70 for NALC member


Find out more about the event and register for your place today.

Local Councils and community outreach - 14th December 2022 12pm - 1.15pm  Click here for more information


Links to useful NALC Webpages:

NALC Committees - if you are interested in the work that NALC does through it's committees, you can view the latest Agendas and Minutes  here.

Latest Funding and Grants Bulletin 

Climate Change - information and guidance

 Keep up to date with NALC via their Blog page and their News page.
Do you have any thoughts or comments on this newsletter, tell us what you think here.
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Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils · Colliton Annexe, · Colliton Park · Dorchester, Dor DT1 1XJ · United Kingdom

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