Good morning. This week: planning rules already in force, a new mayoral-powers consultation, updated CCTV guidance and three verified funding routes.
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The new planning framework is already in force. England's new National Planning Policy Framework was published on 17 August, and its decision-making policies took effect immediately. Councils responding to planning applications or reviewing neighbourhood-plan work should now use the 2026 framework rather than an earlier version. See what changed.
Mayoral planning powers are open for consultation. The government is consulting on how mayors outside London could call in strategically important applications, make development orders and raise an infrastructure levy. The proposed common thresholds include 150 homes, 15,000 square metres of commercial floorspace and buildings 30 metres or taller; representations from parish and town councils would pass to the mayor on called-in cases. Responses close at 11.59pm on 5 October 2026. Read and respond.
Official CCTV guidance has been updated. The government's guide for local authorities was refreshed on 25 August to reflect changes in operations and technology. If your council uses CCTV, ANPR, body-worn video, drones or vehicle-mounted cameras, use the guide and linked self-assessment to check governance, necessity, transparency and day-to-day operation. Open the guidance.
Surrey Community Resilience Programme, £1,000 planning grant and up to £15,000 delivery grant. Parish and town councils across Surrey can develop an action plan for risks such as flooding, extreme heat and wildfire, then seek funding for one or two priority projects. Completed plans for the £1,000 grant are due by 16 September, and approved applicants have until 30 September 2026 to apply for delivery funding. Check the programme.
Harborough Neighbourhood Planning Grant Fund, up to £10,000. Parish and town councils in Harborough District can apply to prepare a new neighbourhood plan or review an adopted one. Eligible costs include consultation, evidence, specialist advice, drafting and publicity; expressions of interest close on 18 September 2026. Read the guidance.
Crowdfund Lancashire, up to £5,000. Parish and town councils in Lancashire can seek a pledge worth up to 40% of their crowdfunding target, capped at £5,000, for local culture and sport projects. The autumn round closes on 17 September 2026, with successful campaigns due to finish by 31 January 2027. Check the criteria.
Severe-weather preparedness for councils. There is a high chance of a very strong El Niño this autumn and winter, with the Met Office expecting it to increase the chances of wetter, stormier conditions in the UK. That makes preparedness a timely council agenda item. The LGA's free severe-weather hub is designed to help councils prepare for and respond to extreme weather, provide local leadership and communicate effectively with residents. Open the LGA resources.
Fazeley turns local priorities into a ten-policy neighbourhood plan. Fazeley Town Council has moved its neighbourhood plan into formal consultation ahead of examination. The submission brings ten policies together around heritage, public realm, accessibility, flooding, the natural environment, green space and community facilities, backed by a consultation statement and environmental screening. The practical lesson for other councils is to keep the policy themes clear and publish the evidence alongside the plan, so residents and the examining authority can see how local priorities have become workable planning policies. See Fazeley's submission.
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