Dear Colleagues,
This was a busy week for our principal authorities, BC Local plan presentation of the progress of the Local Plan, followed by MK’s presentation on the Local Transport Strategy, which was then followed by BC’s announcement of the Local Transport Strategy. The pace of these it must be said, is not set locally, the PA’s are working to a government timeline which means that we all have to be on our toes, make sure you have the key dates in your diaries, push your councillors to attend any and all briefings. Bear in mind also that principal authorities are as appalled as you are that green belt and other protected areas are being considered for housing and are being directed to consider the least, worst options in many instances.
I hope by now you all have your internal auditors identified and appointed ready for the end of year AGAR jamboree. Make sure you have issued a proper appointment letter with the requirements laid out in detail, and, that your council have resolved the appointment.
NALC have published an updated advice note on planning for parish and town councils to clarify the role of parish and town councils and the point that they must be informed of all planning applications and any amendments to those applications within the parish if they have asked to be informed.
NALC are pleased to endorse a new free online course from the Association of Electoral Administrators to help anyone thinking of standing as a parish or town councillor, explaining what prospective candidates need to know about parish and town council elections. Useful for those who are seeking to co-opt or fill casual vacancies.
Interactive Workshop: What Does it Mean to be a 21st Century Parish and Town Council Clerk?
INLOGOV (University of Birmingham) in partnership with NALC and SLCC is hosting a FREE, interactive online workshop for parish and town council clerks in England on 31 March.
The workshop will help shape a project designed to create a practical resource for parish and town councillors, as well as the clerks who support them. Participants will learn about the University of Birmingham’s updated 21st century councillor research, contribute to a new report on councillors’ roles and support needs, and hear practical examples of how clerks are making a difference today.
To find out more and sign up here.
Home Working Tax Allowance
From 6 April 2026, the government will be changing the tax rule on the working from home allowance. From this date the tax relief on additional household expenses which have not been reimbursed by employers will be removed. This may affect all employees, including town and parish clerks. Currently, employees can be reimbursed for additional household expenses without suffering a tax charge.
This tax exemption applies where the employee regularly performs some of the duties of the employment at home, and the employer makes a payment to the employee which represents the reasonable cost of additional household expenses the employee has incurred because of working at home. There is no limit that can be paid, subject to it being reasonable.
Generally, to avoid the administrative burden of acquiring receipts and extensive record keeping, HMRC has allowed employers to pay a fixed rate amount of up to £6 per week, without having to retain evidence. Therefore, if an employer reimburses an employee for additional household expenses incurred while working from home, the payment remains tax-exempt. However, if the employer does not provide this reimbursement, employees will no longer be eligible to claim tax relief for those expenses.
Next week is the Star Council Award ceremony in London and the return of Planning Demystified. It’s looking like it is going to be an amazing week! So enjoy your quiet Friday and weekend and we will look forward to hearing and seeing you next week!
Kind regards,
Mel & Jess