Leadership Essentials planning training
5 and 6 November 2020
We are delivering a LGA Leadership Essentials councillor training session in Warwick on 5 and 6 November 2020 that will look at the proposed and implemented changes as part of a planning update for lead councillors. The two-day residential course will be delivered in person (socially distanced of course) to delegates who wish to attend, and we’ll be offering online access for those who don’t. Both sets of delegates will have the same work, access to the same speakers, and take part in the discussions.
To find out more or to book a place, please contact grace.collins@local.gov.uk.
Design in the public sector: climate change – deadline for applications
The LGA/Design Council Design in the Public Sector programme is now open for applications. This year, it’ll be equipping councils with design skills, methods and new ways of working to apply to their toughest local climate challenges.
The Planning Advisory Service is encouraging planning teams to enter. Last week’s planning White Paper signalled a ‘new focus on design and sustainability’ and an ambition ‘to strengthen the way that environmental issues are considered through the planning system’.
What could this mean for planning now and in future? Here is an opportunity to get support, using design principles, to develop your ideas and achieve impact; be it cross-departmental projects, innovative approaches to engagement, policy formulation, or working with developers on specific sites, it’s up to you.
Find out more about the Design in the public sector programme.
If you’d like any help with your bid, please email martin.hutchings@local.gov.uk.
Deadline for applications is 4 September 2020
Lib Dem good practice
Tackling racism
Liberal Democrat-led Torbay Council is launching an enquiry into silent racism in the area.
- Councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla gives more information
- Local review into how we make black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) lives matter
Chelmsford Council supporting local businesses
Third round of grants launched to support Chelmsford businesses – deadline 16 August
Powys Climate Change motion
Planning changes challenged
Peter Taylor, Mayor of Watford, has written to Robert Jenrick to challenge Government planning policy – you can see a link to the letter on his Facebook page
Calling out the Government’s COVID-19 announcement in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Liberal Democrats call foul on the Government’s snap COVID-19 announcements
In case you missed it
COVID-19
Liberal Democrat run South Lakeland DC are extending free parking for key workers
Unitary Authority proposals
Gloucester Lib Dems have said their city is under threat from unitary plans
Effective representation for local communities
A report from the District Council’s Network finds that England has the largest units of local government and the fewest number of councillors across Europe. Within this context it finds that district councils are the most representative of local communities across the country, and that any reorganisation towards unitary organisations will reduce local responsiveness.
Standing sources of advice
If residents are asking you for advice about what they should do in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, then they should visit the Government’s site for the public which has all the information that the public should need about symptoms and risks of COVID-19, and the action to take.
The most comprehensive source of information is the main UK Government COVID-19 hub. The NHS also has a dedicated site for information on coronavirus, and the LGA’s Coronavirus hub is updated daily. Your own council should also have a dedicated section on its website (if it does not, you should raise this with your Chief Executive). If you want to receive instant (or daily round up) email updates from the Government about COVID-19 you can sign up to receive them directly.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance holds all the specific guidance produced by the government, including advice for households with possible coronavirus infection, employees, employers, and businesses, educational settings, hostels for rough sleepers, residential care settings and many others.
The Money Advice Service also has a helpful list of financial support available to people, which may be of interest to your constituents.