Good morning. This week: the local-government reorganisation pause, Martyn's Law preparation, proposed mayoral visitor-levy powers and three verified funding routes.
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Reorganisation plans are under review. MHCLG has launched a rapid review of local-government reorganisation and withdrawn earlier decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Plans for 14 other areas, plus Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and West Sussex, are paused during the review, while May 2027 local elections will go ahead on existing boundaries. Clerks in affected areas should avoid treating shadow-authority timetables or local service-transfer assumptions as settled until fresh government decisions are issued. Read the government update.
Martyn's Law checks can start now. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is expected to come into force in spring 2027, and the Home Office and SIA guidance gives councils a clear preparation route now. Standard-tier premises are those where 200 to 799 people may be present at the busiest times; larger premises and qualifying events sit in the enhanced tier. If your council runs halls, markets, events or public buildings, start by recording who controls each premises or event and what evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures already exist. Check the guidance.
Mayors could get an overnight visitor levy. The government is expected to set out today how English mayors could introduce a percentage levy on hotel, B&B and short-let stays, with local leaders deciding whether to use it and how the proceeds are reinvested. The enabling bill has not yet been introduced, so this is not a charge councils need to administer now. Town and parish councils in mayoral areas, especially visitor destinations, should watch for local consultation and make the case early for any revenue to support public spaces, events and services affected by tourism. Read the BBC report.
Erewash Village Investment Fund, up to £22,500. Erewash parish councils have access to a dedicated allocated fund, with £7,500, £15,000 or £22,500 available depending on parish size. The funding is for projects that create vibrant and sustainable communities, mainly capital works or improvements to community facilities, and proposal forms are due by the end of September 2026. Check the fund.
Maldon Where Quality of Life Matters Fund, up to £10,000. Town and parish councils in Maldon District can apply for projects aligned with the council's corporate priorities, including supporting communities, investing in the district, growing the economy and protecting the environment. Applications close on 30 September 2026, and projects over £1,000 should be discussed with the strategy team before submission. Read the criteria.
South Oxfordshire Performing Arts Grant Fund, £500 to £5,000. Town and parish councils and parish meetings can apply for performing-arts projects that benefit groups of South Oxfordshire residents. Grants range from £500 to £5,000, the overall fund is £60,000 for 2026/27, and the deadline is midday on Wednesday 30 September 2026. Check the scheme.
ProtectUK Martyn's Law resources. ProtectUK has a free Martyn's Law resource page with the statutory guidance, a one-page leaflet and supporting material for premises and events. Use it to make a simple first pass through council buildings and events before deciding whether specialist advice or committee action is needed. Open the resources.
Welshpool turns public-realm funding into a procurement plan. Welshpool Town Council has moved its town-centre improvement project from funding award to delivery planning. The council secured £83,000 from the Pride in Place Impact Fund, is buying the main street furniture separately and has invited contractors to quote for installation and civil engineering works across locations including Broad Street, High Street, Vicarage Gardens and the Canal Wharf area. The useful lesson is sequencing: separate the specification, permissions, purchasing and installation work so local suppliers can price the job clearly and councillors can track each stage against a tight programme. Read the council update.
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