Dear Colleagues
Not to make you too jealous, but my view is of a beautiful garden in Hampshire today, as I annex a friend’s house and declare it the BMKALC Hampshire Field Office. I can confirm that the gardens are just as crispy, however the catering is a significant step up from the BMKALC Slapton field office!
So, in keeping with August, another short and sweet View this week.
Last week I had presented a short overview of the work we do as a CALC to the Standards Committee at BC. There were a lot of questions, to deal with and if you have an hour free you can view it here. Some of the comments were selectively picked up and have appeared in the press, not, of course, my favourite moments and with a different mission in mind. On the whole, it was a very positive engagement, and we have been invited to attend the next meeting.
The government this week further committed to devolving powers, resources, and functions to local leaders, especially mayors, to drive growth, improve public services, and increase local tax control. It aims for strategic authorities nationwide, enhanced local institutions, and stronger accountability, with phased implementation starting in 2027, fostering place-based decision-making, regional investment, and integrated public services across the UK. Our concerns remain that devolution does not go deep enough with assets and powers being placed with local councils and councillors.
Following on from our presentation at the Standards Committee together with a national acknowledgement that there is a general softening in upholding and living the Nolan principles, BMKALC are encouraging all members, associate to consider signing up to the Civility and Respect Pledge. This is the first step in taking action to improve standards in all the work we do. acknowledging how we want to be treated and will treat others and setting the philosophy in which we will do business. Here’s a video highlighting the benefits of signing the Civility and Respect Pledge and this is where you can take those first steps!
Tomorrow you will receive the formal notice of BMALC’s AGM. This is your opportunity to meet your Executive Board and vote on our future. I hope that you will be able to join me in Campbell Park on the 14th of September. You can book through our website or by clicking this link. We will have time to circulate and socialise and share all the reasons why we continue to turn up, and turn out for our communities.
Till then, we wish you a wonderful weekend, and look forward to speaking with you next week.
Kind regards
Mel , Lorraine and Jess