Booklets and Resources

This section provides a variety of different resources for local councils. Many are NALC publications while some are the publications of our partner organisations. All of the resources are of direct relevance to our tier. We will add further resources as they become available.

‘A Manager's Guide to Performance Management' (Adaptation 2008)

Based on the Improvement and Development Agency and Audit Commission's Performance, Management, Measurement and Information Project, this publication is an adaptation of an earlier document - A Manager's guide to Performance Management (2006), jointly written by these same organisations.

This document has been 'parish proofed' and the broad principles, ranging from the performance management cycle through to taking action for improvement, have relevance for all small, medium and larger councils in the town and parish sector. There are also eight useful case studies to complement this guide.

Click here to download a copy
Click here to view performance management case studies


‘All about local councils’ (2008)

An update to the NALC/Electoral Commission booklet ‘All about parish and town councils’ published in 2007. The new booklet has a slightly more urban slant and while aimed at a more urban audience is still relevant as a resource to all councils. The booklet gives simplified explanations about the role and work of local councils and their councillors, explains the electoral process and provides a number of case studies highlighting the work of a selection of local councils.

You may find this booklet useful for introducing people to our tier of local government (particularly in an urban setting), helping to promote the work of local councils and the role of councillors or as a handy promotional tool in the run up to elections.

Click here to download a copy


‘All about parish and town councils’ (2007)

A joint NALC/Electoral Commission publication, this booklet gives simplified explanations about the role and work of parish and town councils and their councillors, explains the electoral process and provides a number of case studies highlighting the work of a selection of parish and town councils.

You may find this booklet useful for introducing people to our tier of local government, helping to promote the work of parish and town councils and the role of councillors or as a handy promotional tool in the run up to elections.

Click here to download a copy

‘Community Empowerment Awards – 2006’ (2006)

This booklet highlights award winners from the Commission for Rural Communities sponsored Community Empowerment Awards, awards presented in association with NALC. The booklet provides interesting case studies covering the work of local councils in the fields of; older people, young people, housing and Gypsies, travellers & migrant workers.

You may find this booklet useful if you wish to get a taste of the variety of projects that local councils undertake or perhaps wish to get a little inspiration or advice as to how you might wish to take a project forward in your local area.

Click here to download a copy


‘Community Empowerment Awards – 2007’ (2007)

This booklet highlights award winners from the Commission for Rural Communities sponsored Community Empowerment Awards, awards presented in association with NALC. This booklet provides interesting case studies covering the work of local councils in the fields of; older people; young people; and housing.

You may find this booklet useful if you wish to get a taste of the variety of projects that local councils undertake or perhaps wish to get a little inspiration or advice as to how you might wish to take a project forward in your local area.

Click here to download a copy


‘Governance and Accountability for Local Councils – A Practitioners’ Guide 2008 (England)’ (2008)

A joint NALC and Society of Local Council Clerks guidance document to proper accounting practices and audit for local councils. This edition builds on previous editions but incorporates the changes to regulations from 2006 and the impact of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.

This guidance document will be useful to anyone looking for a clear statement on proper practices

Click here to access the guidance


‘Use of Ordnance Survey mapping by Town, Parish and Community Councils’ (2007)

A guidance document produced following discussions between Ordnance Survey, NALC and Local Government Information House. It covers the OS Contractor’s licence and provides advice for councils concerning digital mapping.

You may find this guidance useful if you are considering, or are already using digital mapping. This guidance is valid until 31 March 2009.

Click here to download a copy

‘Guidance on community governance reviews’ (2008)

This guidance document published by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Electoral Commission provides guidance on community governance reviews, reviews whereby a principal authority can propose the creation or alteration of local councils, amongst other things.

You may find this guidance useful if you are considering petitioning your local principal authority (borough/district/unitary councils) for the creation of a new local council in your area.

Click here to download a copy

‘The good councillors guide (second edition)’ (2006)

This practical guidance booklet is aimed at providing an introduction to people new to the role of parish or town councillor and as a handy refresher for those who have had more time in the role. It covers a variety of different topics including; a councillors responsibilities; what they can, must and must not do; processes around meetings; delivery of service; and lots of tips explaining in simple terms the broader world of local government.

You may find this guidance document useful if you are new as a local councillor or if you are considering the role. It is also a handy reference guide for more experienced councillors.

Click here to download a copy

‘How politics affects…your local area’ Posters (2007)

Developed by NALC and the Electoral Commission and coming in two colours, pink and blue, these colourful posters highlight the kinds of activities that local councils can get involved in.

You may find these posters useful if you wish to raise the profile of your local council, particularly in the run to local elections.

Click here to download a blue copy
Click here to download a pink copy

‘Pointers to good practice’ (2005)

A joint NALC/Commission for Rural Communities publication this guide book identifies good practice for local councils. The guide covers five main topic headings; Involving people and strengthening the community; Working on practical projects with local support; Co-operating with others; Influencing decisions that affect the community; and Building change that lasts. The guide explains the case for local councils taking action and presents a selection of case studies to show how effectively these councils are already working for their communities.

You may find this guide useful if you are a clerk or councillor and would like to consider practical solutions. The guide is also useful for voluntary community organisations, principal authorities and their councillors, and government offices and agencies.

Click here to download a copy

‘A guide to becoming a Quality Council (second edition)’ (2008)

A short guide for the Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme explaining the benefits of attaining Quality status and explaining exactly what is required of a council to pass each of the tests.

You may find this guide useful if your council is considering making an application for Quality status or if you are curious about the Scheme.

Click here to download a copy

‘Ways to tackle climate change’ (2007)

A booklet produced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and focuses on how local councils can make energy efficient savings. It presents practical advice and ideas and a variety of case studies where work on tackling climate change is already occurring.

You may find this guide useful if you are a council interested in introducing measures to reduce CO2 emissions in your local area or are interested in the wide variety of action already being taken.

Click here to download a copy