News

Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council is seeking a facilities and projects officer to join their team.

Denham Parish Council is seeking a warden to join their team.

Author: Kate Sullivan, education and engagement manager, RECOUP

Everything we buy, use and consume is provided by natural resources on planet earth. The problem is, we are utilising those resources at a far faster rate than the earth can regenerate them which is unsustainable and risks future generations’ health and wellbeing and financial and political security.

James Alexander, chair of the Improvement and Development Board (IDB), expressed delight over the progress of establishing task forces aimed at harnessing a range of expertise on a task-and-finish basis.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) climate emergency national network met on 12 July 2024 to discuss advancing climate literacy and sustainability practices within local (parish and town) councils.

Author: Nadoya Reid, communications officer, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC)

This net zero week is the perfect time for local (town and parish) councils to reflect on their roles in addressing climate change and reaffirm their commitments to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

Whitby Town Council is seeking a town clerk & responsible financial officer to join their team.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) online event recordings are freely available on its website.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) attended the Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) Work Experience Week 2024 event on 5 July 2024. The event brings together students and local authorities to shape the legal profession's future.

Author: Claire FitzGerald, administration manager, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC)

To the Palace we went and it poured,

We got really soaked but not bored,

They played Mr Blue Sky,

We couldn’t work-out why,

But we had brilliant fun, thank the Lord.

East Grinstead Town Council is seeking a town clerk to join their team.

Author: Barbara Eifler, co-chief executive, Making Music, and chair, Make Music Day UK

It’s the simplest of concepts: anyone can create or host or perform in a music event on 21 June and be part of the world’s biggest DIY grassroots music festival.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has reiterated its support for higher ethical standards within the local (parish and town) council sector.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has released extra tickets to its sold-out online event on climate change which takes place on 26 June 2024.

Author: Geraldine Achieng, business development manager, LGBT Foundation 

Pride events are powerful and multifaceted celebrations that play a crucial role in promoting visibility, acceptance, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Not only do we commemorate the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, which honours the struggles and achievements of those who fought for equality, but we also celebrate the rich diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, including various sexual orientations, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds. 

Author: Charlie Brain, senior consultant, Water Hygiene Centre

In today’s world people are trying to save money, lead healthier lifestyles, eat healthier foods and be more active. Many people take pride in their gardens and use gardening to help with healthier lifestyles by growing their own healthy foods and enjoying the fresh smell of flowers.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) White Ribbon Steering Group convened to evaluate the outcomes of White Ribbon’s recent #ChangeTheStory webinar and plan for the year ahead. The meeting addressed key issues including the group’s membership expansion and year two priorities.

Queen's Park Community Council (QPCC) reached a momentous milestone, celebrating its 10th anniversary on 26 May 2024. The event marked a decade of dedicated service, making QPCC London's first and only local (parish and town) council in nearly 80 years.

Author: Hayley Townsend, town clerk, Yate Town Council 

Several months ago, Yate Town Council were contacted by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) to ask if we would be interested in hosting a study tour to share best practice and exchange ideas and experiences with clerks and councillors from across the country, all around the theme of youth engagement.  

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) held a positive meeting for women councillors on 20 May 2024 to discuss critical issues and share insights on enhancing their roles in local governance.

Author: Cllr Cameron Palin, town councillor and deputy mayor, East Cowes Town Council

Both Scotland and Wales have votes at 16 and 17 which have cross-party support, the policy has been a gleaming success proven by the high-quality debate and extremely high voter turnout! So why has England still not followed suit?

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) attended the latest White Ribbon UK webinar as part of its #ChangeTheStory series for White Ribbon Accredited Organisations.

Author: Daisy Petrow, communications officer, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC)

In the landscape of societal change, the White Ribbon campaign stands as a beacon of hope and advocacy, aiming to end violence against women and girls. But what exactly is White Ribbon, and why does it matter? Let’s delve into this crucial initiative and explore its significance for local (parish and town) councils, and how they can actively participate.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has launched a new survey designed to gather further information on parish basic allowances and dependants' carers' allowances in local (parish and town) councils.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) attended two events on devolutions and local elections held by the Institute for Government (IFG) in London.

The National Association of Local Councils' (NALC) latest event on local government finance examines safeguarding local (parish and town) councils from prevalent financial threats anticipated to impact local government entities in the years ahead.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has announced the latest Local Council Award Scheme (LCAS) results.

Author: Trudy Ryall-Harvey, parish clerk at Ashton Hayes and Horton-cum-Peel Parish Council, Cheshire

Ashton Hayes and Horton-cum-Peel Parish Council represents a relatively small semi-rural parish of approximately 420 dwellings and 1300 residents, with a precept of £18,770.

Author: The Big Help Out team 

During the pandemic, millions of people volunteered to support each other through the most significant national crisis since the Second World War. This cemented volunteering as a core driver of connection.

Author: Darren Tilley, chief executive and town clerk at Braunstone Town Council

I’m often asked what I do and what local (parish and town) councils do? Along with local councils across the country, we are simply committed to achieving the best outcomes for our residents and our community. But what does that mean in practice? While we are not directly responsible for statutory services, the services, and facilities we provide are the foundation on which both community spirit and wellbeing is built and enhanced.

The National Associations of Local Councils (NALC) has unveiled its anticipated events schedule for the second half of the 2024/25 financial year.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) transport event on 27 March 2024 discussed the benefits of reconnecting communities through community transport.

Author: Kathryn Cousins, wellbeing programme manager, The Stress Management Society

Mental health impacts our mind and body. It affects how we think, feel, and behave in every aspect of life, both personal and in the workplace. It can feel challenging to break free from  the cyclical nature of poor mental health, as feeling stressed may result in being  unproductive, leading to a higher workload, resulting in overwhelm and ultimately more  pressure.

Haverhill Town Council will be the focal point of this year's Suffolk Day celebrations, having been chosen to host them.

Authors: Neil Kirkland, chief executive officer and finance director and Katerina Sukstul, head of platform delivery and engagement at GoCollaborate Limited 

Local (parish and town) councils across the UK play a pivotal role in shaping their communities through neighbourhood development plans (NDPs).  While national politics can have a significant ripple effect on these local planning initiatives, early and inclusive consultation offers a powerful tool to strengthen your NDP.  

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has welcomed The Carbon Literacy Project's new toolkit for local (parish and town) councils.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) National Network: Young councillors met on 19 March 2024 to discuss the challenges of being a young councillor, annual parish meetings, and councillor allowances.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has released extra tickets to its sold-out online event on reconnecting communities through community transport which takes place on 27 March 2024.

Author: Rebecca Lock, PR & media officer at Epilepsy Action

79 new people are diagnosed with epilepsy every day in the UK. That is three people every hour, and one every 18 minutes. In a week, more than 500 new people will be diagnosed on average. Every month, that’s around 2,500 people. 

Author: Phillip Vincent, public affairs and communications manager at ACRE

With scientific warnings of the climate crisis mounting and governments and international institutions scrabbling in search of grand solutions, it’s easy to feel powerless to act in the face of great threats to our way of life and that of future generations.

Today, 8 March 2024, marks International Women’s Day which commemorates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the empowerment of women in all spheres of life. 

Upton Parish Council is seeking a parish clerk and responsible financial officer to join their team.

Author: Hannah Stevens, chief executive officer at Elect Her

There are approximately 100,000 councillors in England, but only 39.2% of them are women, whilst women make up 51% of the population. 

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) coastal communities national network discussed coastal littering and King Charles III England Coast Path.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) chaired the Women in Local Government event by Dods Diversity & Inclusion on 28 February 2024.

Authors: Karen Gibbard, Sandra Lowe, Stephanie Palmer and Tim Willott from the Parish Council Domains Helper Team

As you may know, the cabinet office is working hard to support England's parish and town councils in moving to .gov.uk domains where they can conduct their business safely, more securely and efficiently.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) National Network: Women councillors met on 29 January 2024 to discuss NALC's women councillors survey and bullying and harassment in the local (parish and town) council sector.

The National Association of Local Councils' (NALC) latest online event on 31 January 2024 highlighted how local (parish and town) councils could benefit from the levelling up agenda.

Author: Danielle Bird, financial director at Utility Aid

The financial world is very volatile at the moment and what that means is that a lot of decisions that I make along with the board of directors have an element of risk. One thing that I do not like is uncertainty. I sit with our leadership team every month to compare budget versus actual, to make sure we are meeting targets, and not overspending. I do this, not only because it’s part of my job but also because I hate the unexpected. I take pride in accurate forecasting and feel responsible for it when it’s not.

The National of Association of Local Councils (NALC) women councillor’s national network has launched a survey to help shape the network’s future.