Membership
Parish and town councils are at the heart of every community — delivering essential services, championing local voices, and shaping places where people live and thrive. But they also face growing challenges from funding pressures and legal complexities to community engagement and media scrutiny.
That's where we, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), comes in. Since 1947, we've been the only national body dedicated to supporting, promoting, and empowering parish and town councils across England. With nearly 90% of parish and town councils already members, we are your trusted partner to help you succeed today and prepare for tomorrow.
Membership benefits
When you join NALC and your local county association, you gain more than membership — you unlock a wealth of resources and support designed to empower your council. You can explore the many benefits available below.
Advocacy and campaigning
We ensure your parish and town council’s voice is heard at the highest levels of government. From securing vital funding to pushing for policy changes that matter to parish and town councils, we campaign nationally so you can focus on making a difference locally. Recent wins include securing over £7.2 million of direct funding for parish and town councils, protecting parish and town councils from council tax referendum principles, and gaining commitments from the government on remote meetings and stronger standards. We also run several campaigns, from tackling climate change and navigating the cost of living to utilising the planning system and engaging with young people.
Awards and recognition
Celebrate success and showcase your achievements nationally. The Star Council Awards celebrate outstanding contributions of parish and town councils, councillors and clerks, with a prestigious awards ceremony at the House of Lords. The Local Council Award Scheme helps your parish or town council benchmark excellence and get recognised for good governance, leadership, and community impact.
Events and networks
Stay connected, inspired, and informed. As a member you get discounts on our monthly online event series, plus access to in-person conferences and study tours. Last year, 94% of attendees said our events met their expectations, with 95% recommending them. Our national networks bring parish and town councils and councillors together to share best practice and support each other. Whether it’s tackling climate change, supporting young people, or exploring coastal matter, you’ll find a network for you.
Expert advisory services
Running a parish or town council is complex but you don’t have to do it alone. Membership gives you direct access to expert, tailored advice covering legal matters from our in-house solicitors, financial guidance, HR and health and safety advice, and communications and compliance support (including data protection and Freedom of Information). Plus, our members-only resource library is packed with templates, guides, and model documents to make your role easier.
Media and crisis support
In a media-driven world, we help parish and town councils tell their story and manage unexpected challenges. With professional PR and communications advice, you’ll always have the tools to respond with confidence.
Online learning and training
We’re committed to continuous improvement across the sector. Members can access short, practical online training courses designed for councillors, clerks, and council staff, tailored to provide practical knowledge immediately applicable to your role. Support with formal qualifications like the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA). Through the Improvement and Development Board, we work with key partners to provide a clear pathway for parish and town councils, councillors, and clerks to keep growing.
Peer support
No parish or town council should feel isolated. Our peer support initiatives are designed to help parish and town councils grow, learn, and continually improve — whatever challenges they face. The Corporate Peer Challenge gives larger parish and town councils the benefit of an in-depth peer-led review. Sometimes parish and town councils need support in difficulty, that's why we're building frameworks to step in with trusted peer support when parish or town councils face serious challenges. We bring together county associations together fortnightly to share best practice and strengthen sector-wide support.
Publications and resources
From day one, you’ll have access to tried-and-tested guidance that saves you time and builds confidence, 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. We've revised our flagship publication, Local Councils Explained, to reflect today's legal landscape, digital expectations, and best practices, making it an indispensable tool for navigating the complexities of local government. 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.
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 NALC and your county association.
It costs 8.34p per elector for the 2025/26 financial year, with a maximum fee of £2,137 for larger parish and town councils. Please note that this fee is in addition to your county association's membership fee.
NALC provides a wealth of support and knowledge for parish and town councillors. They help shine a light on the work we do and recognise the difference we can make in our communities. They show best practices nationwide and share ground-breaking ideas to help us continuously improve our local area.
NALC membership was an easy decision for us. We recognise the valuable work and support NALC provides. So much so that our new business plan lists aspiring for excellence in the sector as a key priority and working towards accreditations and awards which confirm best practices and commitment to continued development.
The resources, support, and networking opportunities NALC provides have enhanced our operations and efficiency. NALC provides solid legal advice on local government issues that have guided us through complex legal matters, ensuring that we make informed decisions in compliance with regulations.
NALC has provided essential support from my very first steps as a new councillor. The resources, training and guidance are so important for parish and town councils, giving us a voice, inspiring us with the Star Council Awards, and making our important and often unseen volunteer roles that bit easier.
