June 2008
Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA)
The new and updated portfolio guide for the Certificate in Local Council Administration has
now been launched and is available to download from the Training Page or in booklet format from the WALC office.
If you have yet to register to undertake the qualification you will need to register for the
NEW one. If you registered before 16 April 2008 and are in the process of completing the
portfolio of evidence you may continue with the original portfolio or change to the new
one if you wish.
Registration forms can also be found at the above web address or can be obtained from
the WALC office.
June 2008
Governance and Accountability - A Practitioner’s Guide
Some clerks and members will be familiar with the above guide, known as the “White
Binder”. It is some time since the last version of the White Binder was published and
there have been some changes to accounts and audit requirements.
A new updated version of the Practitioner’s Guide is now available. This can be downloaded, in sections or in full, from the NALC website and either
printed and inserted into your existing White Binders, replacing previous content, or
referred to electronically.
The new version contains updates to the original guide, some extra and some new
materials to help practitioners. For example, you will now find:
• a link to the popular publication Councils Accounts – Your Rights
• updates about the thresholds separating basic and intermediate bodies
• updates for the impact of changes to the Accounts and Audit Regulations and the Audit Commission Act
• updates reflecting the LGPIH Act 2007
• new notes on the council as Trustee
• new notes on making and reporting long-term investments
• new notes on completing Sections 1, 2 and 4 of the annual return
• new section on how to carry out a review of internal audit
• new section on capital budgeting
• new Part 4 directing the largest councils to relevant proper practices
• updated and new appendices covering:
− councils’ legal powers
− the responsibilities of audited bodies and their appointed auditors
− a 2008 annual return
− links to the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 as amended and CLG’s guidance on
− CLG’s guidance on investing
− executive year-end checklist
• an updated and extended glossary of terms; and
• an Index
Visit http://www.nalc.gov.uk/Latest_News/Governance_and_Accountability.aspx to
access the guide. On this web page it is listed in sections or if you click on “The Guide”
at the bottom of the page you can download the document in its entirety.
June 2008
QUALITY STATUS FOR URCHFONT
The Accreditation Panel for Quality Status has met to consider the Quality Status application from Urchfont Parish Council. The panel was impressed with the high standard of evidence within the portfolio which demonstrated the level of the parish council’s activity. The council met a series of criteria set out by the Quality Parish scheme, proving that it is performing to a high standard and serving its community through the provision of services, information, communication and consultation.
Urchfont Parish Council joins eleven other Quality Accredited Councils in Wiltshire. These
councils can celebrate the fact that with this accreditation and its badge (or logo) of merit
they prove to their electorate and to other partner organisations that their contribution to the
community in which they operate is vibrant, inclusive and procedurally accurate.
The Wiltshire Association of Local Councils, administers the Accreditation Panel for Quality
Status. Parish and town councils interested in further information about the scheme can
contact Katie Fielding at the WALC office.
May 2008
2008/09 PAY NEGOTIATIONS
The Employer and Trade Union sides of the NJC Executive for Local Government Services
are in negotiations in relation to the 2008/09 pay settlement. NALC/SLCC follow the NJC
recommendations.
The Trade Union side tabled a pay claim for 6% or 50p per hour, whichever is the greater,
on basic pay with effect from 1 April 2008.
The Employers have responded and made an offer of 2.2% on all spinal column points
with effect from the same date.
Further updates on the progress of negotiations will be issued as and when information
received.
|
