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.


Join us

Ready to make a difference? Join us today and become vital to the parish and town council community!

Join us today