Benefits of membership

The National Association of Local Councils is the only body in the country specialising full-time in the work of local councils. The Association's advice and guidance to member councils is based on more than 50 years experience acting solely in the interests of its member councils.

NALC takes an enthusiastic role in protecting and advancing the rights and interests of member councils in the Government, main political opposition parties, parliament, in the local and national press, and in liaison with other bodies such as the Standards Board, Local Government Association, Audit Commission and the Commission for Rural Communities.

NALC is committed to making this primary level of local government more effective, more democratic and better able to take a leadership role in local communities.

Services

NALC has a highly trained and experienced team of legal, policy, development and communications officers ready to respond to enquiries.
In the first instance member councils should contact their local county association for advice, who - if necessary - will refer the enquiry to the NALC team.

Legal Advice

The NALC legal service gives detailed advice, at the request of your council, on specific issues relating to legal aspects of local government. NALC also publishes regular briefing notes on changes to legislation, procedural requirements and other issues - many of which are available through County Associations free of charge.

Policy Advice

As well as providing policy advice and guidance on all political developments relevant to local government, the NALC policy and parliamentary affairs team represents the interests of local councils to MPs, government departments and Ministers. County Associations are kept fully briefed on local government activity at national level so that they are able to give you up to the minute advice on matters that might affect your council.

Publications

LCR has been the official NALC journal since 1948. LCR offers an invaluable source of news and information to its members, as well as providing a nationally recognised forum for the exchange of ideas and best practice in this field. In addition to this, NALC’s Direct Information Service (DIS) provides a regular and indispensable bulletin of news affecting the first tier of local government and other related areas. Members benefit from discounted rates on publications. Click here for further information.

Larger Local Councils

NALC recognises that larger local councils (those councils with an electorate of over 6,000 or annual budgeted income over £250,000) have specific needs which may differ from the rest of our membership. Our Larger Local Councils’ Committee provides  such councils with a voice in determining our national work and policies that affect them. There are also tailored sessions for larger councils at the Annual Conference and Exhibition and specific events throughout the year.

Annual Conference

The NALC annual national conference and exhibition is the UK’s largest local council conference attracting government ministers and chief executives from other national organisations. Over three days, members have an opportunity to put questions to key local government players and debate key issues, as well as learn from other councils experiences. It also provides a chance to take part in vital workshops enabling clerks and councillors to serve local people. Click here for further information.

Training

NALC is a lead body on the National Training Strategy for Town and  Parish Councils and has helped set up County Training Partnerships (CTPs) to design and deliver local training to clerks and members alike. Local training providers work together to provide access to the Certificate in Local Council Administration and other learning resources. Click here for further information.

How can you join?

Councils can join NALC through one of the 38 County Associations nationwide. County Associations provide direct advice to their members with the added advantage of being in position to put that advice into a local context.