News

New findings show parish and town councils are key to thriving communities amid local government reform.

We are encouraging parish and town councils to complete a new national survey to help build a stronger picture.

We have launched a review of our Model Standing Orders, and we are inviting parish and town councils to help shape the next version.

Our National Assembly discusses key findings from our recent Project Keystone survey.

Nominations are now open for the Star Council Awards 2026/27.

We have launched a new video highlighting how parish and town councils are benefiting from signing up to the Civility and Respect Pledge.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage confirms that parish and town councils will play a key role in neighbourhood governance. 

Our Annual Conference brought together parish and town councils from across England on 24 June 2026 to explore how they can play a leading role in the future of local government.

We have published our annual report highlighting a year of influence, growth and sector leadership.

From 29 June 2026, local authorities are no longer required to publish members' home addresses.

We have announced the latest results for the Local Council Award Scheme.

We have called on parish and town councils to take a balanced and forward-looking approach to artificial intelligence.

Parish and town councillors, clerks and council staff from across England were recognised at the Buckingham Palace garden party.

We are pleased to support Local Council Clerk Week to celebrate the essential role clerks play in parish and town councils.

We have published a new resource on travel mileage, fuel rates, and allowances.

We have called for significant reforms to local government finance and devolution.

We have called for proportionate implementation of Martyn's Law guidance for parish and town councils.

We met with the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) on 27 May 2026 to discuss our shared priorities and opportunities to work together. 

We have extended the deadline for our Project Keystone survey to 12 June 2026.

We have welcomed strong audit results, but call for sector-wide support on governance and compliance pressures.

Our study tour at Taunton Town Council in Somerset highlighted how to build a modern council in 1,000 days.

Complete our Project Keystone survey today to help shape the future of the sector.

We have called on the government to use the democratic planning system, rather than permitted development rights.

NALC met with the LGA recently to discuss deepening collaboration between the two national bodies.

Project Keystone is a strategic review of the National Association of Local Councils and our relationship with county associations.

We support the principle of the programme, however, we stress that new towns must not bypass local democracy.

We have published a new template letter as part of our Engaging Parliament Toolkit for parish and town councils to engage with their MP to discuss the Pride in Place programme and the potential inclusion of their council on neighbourhood boards.

The latest sold-out NALC event, Planning reform unpacked: the planning shake-up and what it really means, explored the latest planning reforms.

We are disappointed by the omission of remote meetings and standards reform from the King's Speech

Our Policy Committee considered future engagement on strategic authorities at its recent meeting.