County associations
County associations are indispensable allies and crucial in supporting parish and town councils, providing the support, resources, and advocacy needed to enhance local governance. They empower parish and town councils and play a critical role in fostering strong, vibrant, well-governed communities. Whether through expert advice, training, advocacy, or resource provision, county associations ensure that parish and town councils are equipped to serve their communities effectively and efficiently. County associations are a network of regional bodies and act as the first point of call for parish and town councils.
Click on the images to learn more about your local county association.
Avon Local Councils’ Association
Avon Local Councils’ Association is a not-for-profit membership organisation supporting parish and town Councils across Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire to provide positive outcomes for their communities. Working exclusively with councils for 48 years. they understands councils’ needs and provides friendly, professional and supportive advice, training, information, advocacy and networking services (locally and nationally) to meet these needs.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07496 514 035
- Twitter:
- @AvonalcaCO
- Website:
- www.avonlca.org.uk
Bedfordshire Association of Town and Parish Councils
Bedfordshire Association of Town and Parish Councils is a membership organisation which advises, supports and provides training and representation for parish and town councils and meetings in Bedfordshire.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01767 312 669
- Website:
- batpc.co.uk
Berkshire Association of Local Councils
Berkshire Association of Local Council's vision is to provide leadership to improve the quality of life. Their mission is to serve, inspire and lead parish and town councils in Berkshire.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 02380 688 061
- Twitter:
- @BALC2
- Website:
- www.balc.org.uk
Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Association of Local Councils
Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Association of Local Councils are experienced in parish and town council matters, serving currently or historically as clerks, councillors and council chairs. As a not-for-profit organisation, they provide daily support on procedural elements and statutory regulations and provide educational and training services to both councillors and officers. They are the official contact point for loan applications to the Public Works Loan Board from councils in the area. Further services include facilitating communications across principal authorities, arbitration at meetings, and bespoke onsite training.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01296 383 154
- Twitter:
- @bmkalc
- Website:
- bucksalc.gov.uk
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Association of Local Councils
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Association of Local Councils is a not-for-profit organisation representing, training and advising around 260 parish and town councils and parish meetings in the four districts within Cambridgeshire and the unitary authority area of Peterborough. The association is the first point of contact for the more than 2,000 elected councillors in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough working to improve their communities.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07507 520 849
- Twitter:
- @CAMBS_CAPALC
- Website:
- www.capalc.org.uk/Home.aspx
Cheshire Association of Local Councils
The Cheshire Association of Local Councils is a member-based organisation that promotes the rights and interests of parish and town councils across Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington, Trafford and Halton Boroughs. They provide professional support for member councils in all aspects of their work and, when necessary, can provide formal, legal advice on various council-related issues. They also run a comprehensive training programme for councillors and clerks to support the Certificate in Local Council Administration and professional development in general.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01948 871 314
- Twitter:
- @Cheshire_ALC
- Website:
- www.chalc.org.uk
Cleveland Local Councils Association
Cleveland Local Councils Association are a membership organisation supporting and promoting parish and town councils. They develop and support local initiatives, collaborate to maximise resources and work with partners to deliver training opportunities.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01642 808 700
- Website:
- www.localcouncils.org/alcs/cleveland-alc/
Cornwall Association of Local Councils
The Cornwall Association of Local Councils is the membership association for parish and town councils in the Duchy. The association is the first point of contact for member councils needing advice on a range of topics, from legal, financial and technical to more general advice. They provide a comprehensive training schedule, with a wide range of specialist courses to equip councils in their work for the community.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01872 326 969
- Twitter:
- @CornwallALC
- Website:
- www.cornwallalc.org.uk
County Durham Association of Local Councils
The County Durham Association of Local Councils hopes you find this website informative and valuable. As a membership association, we cannot deal with queries from members of the public, but we are happy to make general information available through this website. We are not a statutory body and have no powers or duties to intervene in the operation of individual councils.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 03000 269 921
- Website:
- cdalc.info
Cumbria Association of Local Councils
Cumbria Association of Local Councils is a not-for-profit membership organisation representing, training and advising the parish and town councils of Cumbria, which form the grassroots tier of local government in England. They offer members a resource of critical operational information and facilitate communication at all levels of the parish network, including national, regional, county and district.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07551 678 497
- Twitter:
- @CumbriaLocal
- Website:
- www.calc.org.uk
Derbyshire Association of Local Councils
Derbyshire Association of Local Councils is a not-for-profit membership organisation representing, training and advising parish and town councils of Derbyshire, who are part of the grass-roots tier of local government in England.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01629 826 655
- Twitter:
- @DerbyshireALC
- Website:
- www.derbyshirealc.gov.uk
Devon Association of Local Councils
Devon Association of Local Councils is the membership organisation representing the interests of parish and town councils in Devon. They value this tier of local government's important role in serving communities, and we work in partnership with our national association to support, promote and improve councils.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01392 241 131
- Twitter:
- @DevonALC
- Website:
- devonalc.org.uk
Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils
The Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils is an organisation that represents and supports parish and town councils throughout Dorset in the South West of England. They are dedicated to promoting good governance, providing guidance and training for councillors and clerks, and advocating for the interests of its members at the local and national levels. The association serves as a vital resource for these councils, providing advice on legal and procedural matters and networking opportunities and training events to help councillors fulfil their roles effectively. The association also liaises between its member councils and other organisations, such as principal authorities and government agencies.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01305 224 460
- Twitter:
- @D_A_P_T_C
- Website:
- www.dorset-aptc.gov.uk
East Riding and Northern Lincolnshire Local Councils Association
East Riding and Northern Lincolnshire Local Councils Association, otherwise known as ERNLLCA, is an independent body which supports parish and town councils in North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire. ERNLLCA has been serving parish and town councils and parish meetings since 1974.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01652 661 617
- Twitter:
- @ERNLLCA
- Website:
- ernllca.info
Essex Association of Local Councils
The Essex Association of Local Councils is a member-led, non-profit organisation that supports parish and town councils within Essex. Its role is to guide and support its members in enhancing their councils so that they can work to their full potential and serve their local communities.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01371 879 722
- Twitter:
- @EALCnews
- Website:
- ealc.gov.uk
Gloucestershire Association of Parish and Town Councils
Gloucestershire Association of Parish and Town Councils is a membership body that supports, advises, and trains parish and town councils to represent their communities to the best of their abilities. Its specialist field is parish and town council law and procedures. However, it can advise or signpost on various issues, including employment matters, financial controls, allotments, burial grounds, village greens, and risk management. It also plays a role in representing its councils at the national level.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01452 883 388
- Twitter:
- @GlosAPTC
- Website:
- www.gaptc.org.uk
- LinkedIn:
- https://linkedin.com/company/gaptc/
Hampshire Association of Local Councils
Hampshire Association of Local Councils is a membership organisation that supports and represents parish and town councils. It works to inspire and empower parish and town councils to confidently and effectively help local communities. From providing trusted advice on all aspects of running a council, including financial, employment, and legal matters, to helping you plan for long-term challenges and changes in legislation.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 02381 730 060
- Twitter:
- @hampshirealc
- Website:
- www.hampshirealc.org.uk
Herefordshire Association of Local Councils
Herefordshire Association of Local Councils is a membership organisation that provides parish and town councils with specialist information and advice, legal opinions, training and informal briefings, qualified clerks cover, and a wealth of experience supporting parish and town councils in undertaking parish and neighbourhood plans.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01432 353 492
- Website:
- halchereford.gov.uk
Hertfordshire Association of Parish and Town Councils
Hertfordshire Association of Parish and Town Councils is a membership organisation financed by subscriptions from parish, community and town councils and parish meetings. It offers support, advice and training to its members to enable them to serve their communities to the best of their abilities. Its specialist field is in parish council law and procedure. Still, it can advise or signpost various subjects, including employment, financial controls, risk management, allotments, burial grounds, code of conduct, village greens and playgrounds. It represents parish councils to district and borough, county, regional and national bodies and works to enhance communication with everyone within the parish and town council network.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07956 590 094
- Twitter:
- @HAPTC
- Website:
- www.haptc.org.uk
Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils
The Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils represents the interests of parish and town councils across the island. It provides access to resources, training and information to member councils enabling them to better serve their electorates.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07759 193451
- Twitter:
- @IWALCnews
- Website:
- iwalc.org
Kent Association of Local Councils
Kent Association of Local Councils is a not-for-profit membership organisation that serves members of parish, town and community councils and parish meetings. It is managed by its Executive Committee, which includes two representatives from each of the thirteen area committees, meaning its member councils effectively manage its work.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01304 820 173
- Twitter:
- @KentLocCouncil
- Website:
- www.kentalc.gov.uk
Lancashire Association of Local Councils
Lancashire Association of Local Councils was formed in 1944 and is an independent organisation representing the interests of parish and town councils in Lancashire, Merseyside, and Greater Manchester. The association supports member councils to help them achieve the highest standards of local government, offer training, and represent the first tier of local government as widely as possible.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01772 750 900
- Twitter:
- @LancashireAlc
- Website:
- www.lalc.org.uk
Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils
Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils was formed roughly 75 years ago by local parish and town councils, making them unique as their members and priorities. The association provides information about the operation and powers of parish and town councils, and parish meetings. It enhances communication with everyone within the parish and town council network, from national and regional to local.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 0116 235 3800
- Twitter:
- @LRALC
- Website:
- www.leicestershireandrutlandalc.gov.uk
Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils
Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils is a not-for-profit membership organisation that represents, trains, and advises Lincolnshire's parish and town councils, which form England's grass-roots tier of local government. The association works with 42 similar organisations across England and Wales to support member councils.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01673 866 596
- Twitter:
- @lincsalc
- Website:
- www.lalc.co.uk
- LinkedIn:
- https://linkedin.com/company/lincolnshire-association-of-local-councils
Merseyside Association of Local Councils
Lancashire Association of Local Councils incorporates the Merseyside Association of Local Councils. The association, formed in 1944, is an independent organisation representing the interests of parish and town councils in Lancashire, Merseyside, and Greater Manchester. The association supports member councils to help them achieve the highest standards of local government, offers training, and represents the first tier of local government as widely as possible.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01772 750 900
- Twitter:
- @AssocMalc
- Website:
- www.lalc.org.uk
Norfolk Association of Local Councils
Norfolk Association of Local Councils is a not-for-profit membership association for parish and town councils. It provides specialist information, advice, and training to these councils. The association speaks with a strong collective voice, representing members' corporate interests to government, and works in partnership with a county network of district, borough, and county councils and other public service providers.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07904 043 911
- Twitter:
- @norfolk_alc
- Website:
- www.norfolkalc.gov.uk
- LinkedIn:
- https://uk.linkedin.com/company/norfolkalc
Northamptonshire County Association of Local Councils
Northamptonshire County Association of Local Councils is a not-for-profit membership organisation that represents, trains, and advises the parish and town councils of Northamptonshire, which are the grass-roots of local government. The association provides member councils with vital operational information and facilitates communication at all levels of the parish council network — district, county, regional, and national.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01327 831 482
- Twitter:
- @ceo_ncalc
- Website:
- www.northantscalc.gov.uk
Northumberland Association of Local Councils
Northumberland Association of Local Councils is an organisation that represents the interests of parish, town, and community councils and offers specialist training, advice, and other support to its members.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07476 746 082
- Website:
- northumberlandalc.uk
Nottinghamshire Association of Local Councils
Nottinghamshire Association of Local Councils is a membership organisation for the parish and town councils of Nottinghamshire, the elected bodies closest to the people they represent. They believe in the power of parish and town councils to enhance and improve their communities. They support, advise, and train member councils and seek to facilitate communication between them and the other tiers of government.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01636 816 890
- Website:
- www.nottsalc.com
Oxfordshire Association Local Councils
Oxfordshire Association Local Councils is part of a national network and has represented parish and town councils and parish meetings for over seventy years. They represent parish and town council interests through partnerships with other local and regional agencies in the public, private and voluntary sectors. The association provides advice, information and training for councillors and clerks.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07519 367 709
- Twitter:
- @oalc_info
- Website:
- www.oalc.org.uk
Shropshire Association of Local Councils
Shropshire Association of Local Councils is a not-for-profit membership organisation representing the parish and town councils of Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. It provides information about the operation and powers of parish and town councils and parish meetings. It enhances communication with everyone within the network, ranging from national and county level to local level, who form the grassroots tier of local government.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01743 252 744
- Twitter:
- @ShropsALC
- Website:
- www.alcshropshire.co.uk
Somerset Association Local Councils
Somerset Association Local Councils represents, supports, trains, and provides advisory services to more than 260 member parish and town councils and parish meetings across Somerset. Their advice, guidance, and training cover a raft of topics, including financial, legal, human resources, community health and wellbeing, governance and procedural issues.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07716 854 604
- Twitter:
- @somersetALC
- Website:
- somerset-alc.org.uk
Staffordshire Parish Councils Association
Staffordshire Parish Councils Association is a membership organisation representing the parish and town councils of Staffordshire. Founded in 1939, it was one of the earliest county associations to be established in the country before the outbreak of World War II. It aimed to facilitate emergency planning during the War, enable networking, lobby for parish councils, and provide legal and other advice to them. Their member councils range from the smallest of parish councils with just a few hundred electors to the largest town councils with tens of thousands of electors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01785 276 536
- Website:
- spcaonline.org.uk
Suffolk Association Local Councils
Suffolk Association Local Councils is a not-for-profit membership organisation supporting the first tier of local government, namely parish and town councils and parish meetings. They aim to enable them to excel in performing their duties, and their services include guidance, training and development alongside a range of support initiatives, including numerous forums. They also engage locally and nationally collaboratively on a wide range of projects for the benefit of the sector.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01473 833 713
- Twitter:
- @SuffolkALC
- Website:
- www.salc.org.uk
- LinkedIn:
- https://linkedin.com/company/suffolk-association-of-local-councils
Surrey Association of Local Councils
Surrey Association of Local Councils represents the interests of its member parish and town councils. The role of the association is to support, protect and grow the parish and town council network in Surrey and be their collective voice at all levels of government.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07724 545 699
- Website:
- www.surreyalc.gov.uk
Sussex (East) Associations of Local Councils
East Sussex Association of Local Councils represents the interests of parish and town councils across East Sussex. The association encourages, represents, advises, and trains its member councils, with the goal of ensuring that the voice of the first tier of local government is heard across the county and by the government.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07825 506 649
- Website:
- esalc.co.uk
Sussex (West) Associations of Local Councils
West Sussex Association of Local Councils represents the interests of parish and town councils across East Sussex. The association encourages, represents, advises, and trains its member councils, to ensure that the voice of the first tier of local government is heard across the county and by the government.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07825 506 649
- Website:
- wsalc.co.uk
Warwickshire and West Midlands Association of Local Councils
Warwickshire and West Midlands Association of Local Councils represents, trains, and advises parish and town councils across Warwickshire and West Midlands. They work in partnership with county councils, combined authorities, and district and borough councils to provide the best support to their members. They aim to improve the parish and town councils where people live and work, bringing communities closer together.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01789 636 950
- Twitter:
- @_WALC
- Website:
- www.walc.org.uk
Wiltshire Association of Local Councils
Wiltshire Association of Local Councils supports and advises parish, town, and city councils in Wiltshire and Swindon as they support the communities they serve. Parish and town councils are the first tier of local government, so they can really make things happen and really change their communities. The association endeavours to support this by offering guidance, advice, and training to councils in membership.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01380 732 808
- Twitter:
- @WalcWiltshire
- Website:
- www.wiltshire-alc.org.uk
Worcestershire Association of Local Councils
Worcestershire Association of Local Councils is a not-for-profit, voluntary, member-based organisation open to all parish and town councils across Worcestershire. It prides itself on supporting and providing professional advice and training to parish and town councils, the first tier of local government.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07926 620 274
- Website:
- www.worcscalc.org.uk
Yorkshire Local Councils Associations
Yorkshire Local Councils Associations is a membership organisation for parish and town councils and parish meetings in North, South and West Yorkshire.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 01937 228 602
- Twitter:
- @YorkshireLCA
- Website:
- www.yorkshirelca.gov.uk