Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for your feedback following our changes to layout, some liked the highlights and easy navigation and others liked the conversational tone that we had developed over the years so we are going to continue with this slightly hybrid version, which is more that the government delivered in the Kings Speech this week.
HIGHLIGHTS
· The Kings Speech
· NALC Updates and Resources
· Vacancies – Home and Away
· Courses
· Consultations – BC, MK and National
The Kings Speech
NALC disappointed by omission of remote meetings and standards reform from King’s Speech
Well once again I’m feeling a little deflated. Despite the many assurances, nothing on standards, nothing on remote meetings and nothing on the use of Allowances. It’s not that I don’t recognise that there is a lot going on, but really?
There was the introduction of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, commonly known as the Hillsborough Law, and its proposed statutory duty of candour for public officials. Although we don’t yet know how or if it will impact our sector. NALC will be pushing for the bill to deliver reform of the local government standards regime, alongside its wider focus on accountability.
At least the Representation of the People Bill was included, although the bill must go further to modernise and strengthen democratic participation. The bill will only succeed if it strengthens participation through parish and town councils, encouraging more people to vote, enabling more people to stand, and better supporting those who serve, thereby rebuilding trust in democracy from the ground up.
NALC continues to lobby on our behalf for the matters that directly affect us.
NALC Updates and Resources
New English Rural report busts myth that rural affordable housing costs more to manage
A new report has challenged the long-standing belief that affordable rural housing is too expensive to manage, finding instead that rural housing associations often outperform the wider sector on costs, tenant satisfaction and financial performance.
The report, No More Excuses: Affordable Rural Housing Works, published by English Rural and Acuity Research and Practice, analysed data from 145 housing associations across England. It found 44% lower management costs, the average cost of managing a rural home was £469 per property compared with £842 across the sector, while overall operating margins for rural providers were almost double the national average.
Vacancies – Home and Away
(Advertised via BMKALC)
For National Vacancies check out Jobs on the NALC website and the SLCC.
We are really keen to hear from Clerks or key officers who may be able to provide local locum support. We often receive calls for support over meetings and for maternity cover. These positions may range from a couple of hours to full time maternity support. If you are interested, please give me a call to discuss.
Courses Next Week
No courses from BMKALC next week as I’m off on my holibobs. However, it doesn’t mean that you’re facing an educational desert and I’d like to remind you to check out our member support partners and the courses they offer. Look at The Parkinson Partnership and also Breakthrough Communications for courses suitable for Councillors and Officers.
Current Consultations
Buckinghamshire Council
· Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
👉 https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/planning/cil/
Closes 24 May 2026
· Iver Heath Footway Improvements
👉 Your Voice Bucks – Citizen Space
Closes 29 May 2026
Milton Keynes City Council
· There are currently no open consultations advertised.
Nationally
A number of important Government consultations are currently open which will directly affect planning, housing, and development in parish areas. I have used AI to produce a list and have then picked the ones most relevant to us.
🔴 URGENT – closing soon
Planning Fees Reform
Deadline: 18 May 2026
👉 Respond: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/ (search Fees for Planning Applications) [nalc.gov.uk]
- Proposes new national fee structure and local fee‑setting
- Will affect planning service capacity and engagement with parishes
New Towns Programme – important for MK
Deadline: 19 May 2026
👉 Respond: New Towns consultation
- Major proposals for large new settlements (including Milton Keynes) [tcpa.org.uk]
- Significant implications for growth, infrastructure and governance
🟢 Closing in June
Biodiversity Net Gain – Brownfield Exemption
Deadline: 10 June 2026
👉 Respond: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/ (search BNG brownfield) [commonslib…liament.uk]
- Could reduce biodiversity requirements on some sites
- Direct impact on local environment and development outcomes
Wishing you all a relaxing weekend. The team will be looking forward to speaking with you next week. I will back with you on the 28th ready to dive straight into CiLCA 2026 Day 2 on Friday 29th May.
Kind regards,
Mel, Lorraine and Jess