This article features essential information from DCN’s September District Bulletin newsletter.
MUST-READS: Our round-up of the crucial articles for district councils
Financial Times (£): Inflation surge forces councils to cut UK ‘levelling up’ projects
The BBC: Rising costs threaten levelling up schemes in England, councils warn
Bill Cullen, chief executive, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, LGC (£): How we helped deliver Europe’s leading automotive technology cluster
Maxine O’Mahony, chief executive, Breckland Council, The MJ (£) Why we’re working smarter in Breckland
The BBC: South Cambridgeshire Council ‘first’ to trial four-day working week
Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, chairman, DCN, the MJ (£): Trust should underpin all our relationships
Tracy Bingham, Chief Finance Officer and Strategic Director, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, The MJ (£) We must keep existing housing stock safe
Centre for Cities and Resolution Foundation: Centralisation Nation report
LGC (£): Energy bill relief is ‘vital’ but more help is needed, sector says
NOTICEBOARD: Events, opportunities and information to help you
Cost of living survey
This is your last chance to complete our survey so we can collate evidence of current pressures and the work you are doing to protect communities. Please click here before 5pm on Friday, when it closes.
DCN annual conference 2023
This prestigious annual event will be held on 23-24 February at Sopwell House within St Albans City & District Council’s area. Booking and programme details will be announced in due course.
Building Safety Webinar
The DCN’s rearranged Building Safety Webinar with Peter Baker, the Chief Inspector of Buildings, will take place on 17 October at 2.30pm. This is an excellent opportunity to hear about how the new Building Safety Act will affect all councils. To join the webinar, click here.
LGA nutrient neutrality inquiry
Features Cllr Alan Walters, leader of Norwich City Council, and Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, leader, Somerset West & Taunton Council. This takes place at the LGA Smith Square offices and online on Thursday, 6 October, 10.30am-12pm. To attend email waterinquiry@local.gov.uk.
Minimum Revenue Provision
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities has delayed implementation of Statutory Guidance on Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) after concerns were raised by the DCN and others about the lack of time to prepare. This is the amount of money councils must set aside to repay their debts. The department said the changes will not be implemented on a mandatory basis until at least April 2024.
Community Wealth Fund
The Community Wealth Fund Alliance is calling for new dormant assets funding of nearly £1bn to be invested in the social economy and local infrastructure. It is urging councils to show support for its campaign by responding to a Government consultation on the issue. To do so, click here before 9 October.
Ministerial update
The full ministerial team of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities has been announced – although individual ministers’ portfolios are yet to be confirmed. It is:
- Secretary of State Simon Clarke
- Minister of State Paul Scully
- Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Andrew Stephenson
- Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Dehenna Davison
- Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Lee Rowley
- Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Baroness Scott
DCN EXEC BOARD UPDATE The DCN board meeting due to be held on 14 September was postponed as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
