Promoting and developing the work of local councils at district, regional and national levels.
Keeping you up-to-date with legislation and best practise.
Providing a comprehensive schedule to equip individuals and councils.
Formed by Parish Councils --- Run for Parish Councils --- Delivering to Parish Councils
The Derbyshire Association of Local Councils (DALC) is a not for profit membership organisation, representing, training and advising the parish (including town) councils of Derbyshire, who form the grass roots tier of local government in England.
We offer members a resource of vital, operational information and facilitate communication at all levels of the parish network - district, county, regional and national.
As a membership association we are unable to deal with queries from the public, but we are happy to make general information available through this website. Please do not contact us directly unless you are a member.
Latest News
Update on Coronavirus legislation 14th September 2020 and holding of Council Meetings
Posted: Wed, 16 Sep 2020 15:47 by Wendy Amis
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 were made on 13 September and came in to force on 14 September, at 12.01. They amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020 ("the Principal Regulations"), so that people may not participate in social gatherings, in any place, in groups of more than six, unless they are members of the same household, two linked households or exceptions apply. More »
NALC's view is that although the Principal Regulations continue to permit local councils to hold meetings (now as an exemption to the six-person gatherings limit) in COVID-19 secure premises, the NALC position remains that we recommend that councils continue to meet remotely. MHCLG reissued its guidance last week and deals with meetings at section 3d. MHCLG continues to recommend that where meetings can take place digitally without the need for face-to-face contact, they should continue to do so. » Less
New Pay Award for 2020/21 announced
Posted: Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:41 by Wendy Amis
NALC have published the agreed pay award for the sector for 2020/21.
Guidance on Play Areas
Posted: Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:34 by Wendy Amis
On 26 June, the government produced guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms. NALC will be engaging with the government on the impractical nature of much of this guidance and the financial implication for local councils.
RoSPA has provided NALC with additional information to complement government guidance:
The government has announced that in England children's playgrounds are allowed to open from 4 July 2020. It is important that playgrounds are suitably safe for use and have an effective inspection and maintenance regime in place prior to opening. More »
Inspections
- It is important that playgrounds are inspected before opening to ensure they are suitably safe for visitors. The British Standard EN 1176-1:2017 sets out a three-tier inspection system: a) routine visual inspections, b) operational inspections, and c) annual main inspections.
- We recommend that all playgrounds are up to date with their inspections before opening to the public.
- It is likely that playgrounds will be used heavily once they are opened. It is therefore important that operators consider the frequency of their inspections. It may be that routine inspection will need to be undertaken more often to detect problems arising from misuse, vandalism, litter, wear and tear and weather conditions.
Re-opening and hygiene
Playgrounds must be opened in a safe way in accordance with government guidance. If the playground remains closed then it is important that it is still inspected. It is also important that any closure measures (such as signage and locks) remain in place and remain effective. These measures will need to be checked during routine inspections.
Advice for users and parents
- Children and parents must not interfere with closure measures where a playground remains closed. If it is closed then this will be for a good reason. Do not endanger yourself by breaching closure measures. Wait until the playground has been opened properly.
- Maintain social distancing within the playground, according to the government's latest advice.
- If the playground is too busy then find another playground in which to play.
- Wash your hands before entering the playground and after you have finished. Use hand sanitiser often. » Less
