Membership
Welcome to the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) — the national body representing parish and town councils across England. Since 1947, we’ve been dedicated to supporting, promoting, and enhancing parish and town councils.
Exclusive member benefits
As a member of NALC and your local county association, you unlock a wealth of resources and support designed to empower your council. Explore the many benefits available to you:
- Advocacy and campaigning — We provide national representation and champion parish and town councils at the highest levels of government. We run active campaigns and engage in advocacy efforts to influence policies that affect local communities.
- Expert advisory services — Legal, financial and HR support with access to top-tier advice tailored to your council’s needs. Benefit from a vast collection of documents and advisory notes.
- Events and networks — Join our popular monthly online event series on essential topics. Last year, 94% of attendees said our events met their expectations, with 95% recommending them. We run national networks for common interests and groups to foster engagement and facilitate support.
- Comprehensive publications — Access to practical resources on various topics, from governance and employment to finance and community planning. The Good Councillor's Guides series simplifies roles and responsibilities, making it easy to navigate your duties. Our case studies showcase successful examples of parish and town councils playing a key role in supporting their communities, from tackling climate change to navigating the cost of living.
- Media and crisis support — We assist with media coverage, public relations strategies and crisis management. Rely on our support to handle unexpected challenges effectively.
- Awards and recognition — The Star Council Awards celebrate outstanding contributions with prestigious awards at the House of Lords. The Local Council Award Scheme recognises excellence in various aspects of parish and town council work.
- Online learning and training — Enhance your skills with our short, dynamic online training courses designed for councillors, clerks, and council staff, tailored to provide practical knowledge immediately applicable to your role.
How to join and membership fees
Becoming a member is straightforward! Your first step is to contact your local county association to get started. Your county association will register your membership with NALC and the county association. Please note that membership requires joining both your county association and NALC.
It costs 7.71p per elector for the 2023/24 financial year, with a maximum fee of £1,978 for larger parish and town councils. Please note that this fee is in addition to your county association's membership fee.
NALC provides a wealth of support and knowledge for local councillors. They help shine a light on the work we do and recognise the difference we can make in our communities. They show best practices nationwide and share ground-breaking ideas to help us continuously improve our local area.
NALC membership was an easy decision for us. We recognise the valuable work and support NALC provides. So much so that our new business plan lists aspiring for excellence in the sector as a key priority and working towards accreditations and awards which confirm best practices and commitment to continued development.
The resources, support, and networking opportunities NALC provides have enhanced our operations and efficiency. NALC provides solid legal advice on local government issues that have guided us through complex legal matters, ensuring that we make informed decisions in compliance with regulations.
NALC has provided essential support from my very first steps as a new councillor in 2015. The resources, training and guidance are so important for councils, giving us a voice, inspiring us with the Star Council Awards, and making our important and often unseen volunteer roles that bit easier.