Good morning. This week: councillor recruitment data, planning committee changes to track, a banking prompt for RFOs, and four tightly verified funding routes for councils.
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New election analysis shows vacancy work is still needed. NALC's May 2026 election analysis found fewer inquorate councils and vacancies than last year, but 68% of councils sampled still had vacancies after polling day. If your council has empty seats, keep recruitment as a standing governance task rather than restarting only at election time. Read the analysis.
Planning committee reforms are heading for autumn. MHCLG has published draft planning committee regulations and statutory guidance, intending final rules to take effect on 31 October 2026. The changes apply to planning authorities, but clerks who submit parish or town council responses should watch for local changes to delegation, committee routes and public speaking. Read the outcome.
Banking arrangements deserve a summer check. NALC has launched a banking hub after councils reported problems with account opening, mandates and authorised signatories. RFOs can use the summer lull to check that online access, payment controls and signatory changes still work before an urgent transaction exposes a gap. Read the summary.
Protection and Infrastructure grants, 60% of woodland infrastructure costs. Parish councils in England can apply for eligible woodland, tree, crop and beaver-management items on land they control. Woodland infrastructure support pays 60% of actual costs, and applications are open all year through the Rural Payments service. Read the guide.
North Warwickshire Prosperity Fund, no fixed grant limit. Town and parish councils can apply to this £2 million programme for local capital or revenue projects. There is no stated minimum or maximum request, and awards must be spent by 31 March 2028. Check the fund.
South Oxfordshire Performing Arts Grant Fund, up to £5,000. Town and parish councils and parish meetings can apply for £500 to £5,000 for community theatre, music and dance. Applications close at midday on 30 September 2026. Read the guidance.
Hinckley and Bosworth Community Equipment Grant, up to £2,500. Parish and town councils can apply for community equipment and small capital projects. The grant covers up to 50% and closes on 31 March 2027, or earlier if its £25,000 budget is allocated. Check the grant.
The Tree Council Guidance Hub. The Tree Council's free guidance covers young-tree care, hedge planting, tree strategies and risks such as ash dieback. Use it when planning winter planting or checking the maintenance commitment behind a grant-funded scheme. Open the guidance links.
Green Flag discipline at town-council parks. The 2026 Green Flag Awards include town-council sites across the country. Swanage's Beach Gardens and Kidderminster's Broadwaters Mill Park both retained the standard. The useful lesson is the management discipline behind the badge: applicants must evidence maintenance, safety, environmental management, community involvement and future planning. Those are worthwhile checks even if your council never enters. See the awards list.
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