BMKALC AGM, CiLCA 2025, Charles Arnold Baker 14th Edition, Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the workplace, Assertion 10
Dear Colleagues,
Firstly, a huge thank you to Great Linford Parish Council for hosting this year’s AGM meeting. Becky Walsh was as always inspirational, informative and entertaining, kicking off the evening recognising the challenges and providing a sense of proportionality to all that we do. The business part of the meeting was brisk and draft minutes are attached. The Lord Lieutenant, Lady Howe, provided a closing presentation which explained the role of the Lieutenancy within the community, it’s many and varied activities as well as the local Honours system, which recognises local superstars, I was delighted that in our audience we had a Dame, an MBE and at least two BEM’s! Thankyou to both our brilliant speakers for supporting us and our sector.
Our CiLCA students have been busy too and it’s been a while since I provided applause for those who have successfully completed their journey and are now fully qualified CiLCA clerks. This years cohort is storming along completing week 4 this week, all registered for assessment and gradually working on their submissions. I think, and it’s not unusual, the size of the task is really biting home now. To all those who think CiLCA is a box ticking exercise, you couldn’t be further from the truth, assessors are looking for candidates who can research and provide evidence of how our regulatory framework exists in practice.
Big news for me is that at last Charles Arnold Baker 14th edition is available to pre order. Arnold-Baker on Local Council Administration, is often referred to as ‘the bible’, a complete statement of the law relating to parish and community councils, authored by Roger Taylor takes the form of an extensive though succinct narrative accompanied by comprehensive statutory materials, which are themselves less succinct but nonetheless essential.
The book itself will be offered at a discounted rate of £176 (Reduced from £220.00) to order directly through scott.firth@lexisnexis.co.uk. The P+P will be an additional £9. Please quote that you are a member of BMKALC at the time of ordering and Scott will ensure that you receive the 20% discount.
Arnold-Baker on Local Council Administration has long been established as the guide to this specialist field of local government law. Among local councillors it is often referred to as ‘the bible’. It is a complete statement of the law relating to parish and community councils through an extensive, though succinct, narrative accompanied by relevant statutory materials. It covers everything from parish and manorial history to the laws, both old and new, now governing local councils. All aspects are explored in a user-friendly style. It also includes appendices of relevant statutes and statutory instruments.
The 14th edition of this popular book has been comprehensively updated to cover the many changes to law and practice with direct application to local councils since the previous edition in 2022. This is a key text for parish and community councils, local authorities and solicitors practicing in local government and public/administrative law. The author, Roger Taylor, is a leading authority in this complex area of law, with over 40 years’ experience. He is currently Consultant to the Town, Parish and Community Council team at Wellers Solicitors.
What’s New
Fully updated to include the most recent and important developments in local government, including:
- * Updated to take account of proposed local government reorganisation
- * Clarification of council procedures
- * Devolution with revised sections on Wales
- * Updated section on Procurement
- * New section on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
We enjoyed an excellent session with Chris Moses examining the impact of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the workplace yesterday and today we have another lunchtime meet with Mark Tompkins from Aubergine to consider the impact of Assertion 10 on our digital footprint. Both are key areas that will affect all of us.
Cllr Des Bray and I had our first new quarter update with Cllr Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Securities on Tuesday and on Thursday BC councils were invited to attend the BC Planning Forum. I’m looking forward to catching up with MKCC later today with a meeting with Sharon Bridgalsingh and Cllr Sue Smith.
Summer seems like a distant memory with the nights drawing closer and clinging on, but it’s a good time to take stock and start planning for next year and so our thoughts turn to budgets and long-term plans but, you have a weekend to enjoy first! Lorraine and I wish you a happy one and next week we look forward to introducing our new team member Jess! Looking forward to speaking with you then.
Kind regards
Mel & Lorraine