News

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) chair, Cllr Keith Stevens, had a productive introductory meeting with Cllr Louise Gittens, the newly appointed chair of the Local Government Association (LGA).

Author: Liberty Turrell, Great British beach clean administrator at the Marine Conservation Society

Last year, Marine Conservation Society volunteers made a monumental impact by removing more than 17,000 kg of litter from across the UK and Channel Islands. This fantastic effort unveiled a distressing reality: a staggering 480,343 litter items were collected, with single-use plastics accounting for three of the top five most commonly found items. 

Hodsock Parish Council is seeking a parish clerk and responsible financial officer (RFO) to join their team. 

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is excited to announce its new website is designed to revolutionise user experiences by offering self-service options and personalised content tailored to user preferences.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has unveiled a newly updated suite of template HR policies.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) can confirm that local (parish and town) councils and community groups in England can now access funding to support neighbourhood planning initiatives through the Locality’s Neighbourhood Planning Programme.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) met to strengthen collaborative efforts.

Cookham Parish Council is seeking a parish council clerk to join their team. 

Author: Jonathan Owen, chief executive, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC)

It is good to see some long overdue consideration of devolution beyond regions and mayors to the hyperlocal level.

Author: Lee Cleaver, client account executive at Clear Councils Insurance

Rioting and civil unrest are relatively uncommon in this country. However, when violent disorder does occur, it can significantly affect communities, businesses, and individuals. Moreover, the insurance consequences of these events are substantial and can impact everything from property damage to business interruption.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is excited to announce the official launch date of our new and improved website! On 7 October 2024, we will unveil a fresh online experience designed with local (parish and town) councils and county associations in mind.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) met with county association officers, where plans for the upcoming 80th anniversary of VE-Day were a key focus. 

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and the Local Government Association (LGA) have launched a further joint online event called Democracy in Action which will take place on 13 November 2024.

Southborough Town Council is seeking a deputy town clerk to join their team. 

Author(s): Karen Gibbard, Sandra Lowe, Stephanie Palmer and Tim Willott from the Parish Council Domains Helper Team 

If your local (parish and town) council is still considering a move to a .gov.uk domain, the Parish Council Domains Helper Service would like to draw your attention to the current funding position.

As National Allotment Week unfolded across the UK between 12 to 18 August 2024, local (parish and town) councils embraced the opportunity to celebrate allotments' vital role in fostering community spirit, promoting sustainable living, and enhancing individual wellbeing. 

Ruddington Parish Council is seeking a deputy clerk to join their team. 

Truro City Council is seeking a facilities manager to join their team. 

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has welcomed the release of the first annual report by the Smaller Authorities' Audit Appointment (SAAA). As a founding body of the SAAA, NALC applauds the report for its clear mission to establish an effective and sustainable audit regime, enabling communities to hold their local (parish and town) councils accountable.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) congratulate Portland and Weymouth on being named Dorset's joint towns of culture for 2025.

Author: Daisy Petrow, communications officer, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC)

Empowering young people is essential for building a sustainable and prosperous future. On International Youth Day, observed on 12 August, and all year long, we must commit to creating environments that nurture their potential, support their growth, and amplify their voices. 

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is actively engaging with the new government, responding to consultations and initiatives on behalf of its members. 

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is pleased to report that Jess Brown-Fuller MP recently met with councillors from Lavant Parish Council to address pressing concerns affecting the village and its surrounding areas.

Author: David Hall, managing director, CloudyIT 

For the second consecutive year, CloudyIT is proud to sponsor the Clerk of the Year category at the prestigious NALC Star Council Awards. This sponsorship underscores our unwavering commitment to the local government sector and highlights the invaluable role that clerks play in our communities.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has published its annual analysis of council tax levels of local precepting authorities, including local (parish and town) councils, for the 2024/25 financial year. 

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) featured in the Rural Services Network's Rural Services Partnership Spotlight for its first-ever Pride presence.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is seeking views from local (parish and town) councils and county associations of local councils (CALCs) on the government’s proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system.

Author: Cllr Lorna Berrett, councillor and chair, Botley and North Hinksey Parish Council

With the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Star Council Awards nominations open for 2024 I’ve been reflecting on my experience of being selected as Councillor of the Year for 2023. When I received an email saying I’d been nominated I really thought it meant the whole council and only when I went to the website and saw my name and a list of things I’d done did I understand that, yes, they really did mean me! I was surprised and delighted as it was completely unexpected.  

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has released extra tickets to its sold-out online event on the future of neighbourhood plans which takes place on 25 September 2024.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) national network for young councillors met on 23 July 2024 to discuss significant developments and strategies aimed at improving governance through diverse representation and youth engagement.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) held an online event on artificial intelligence (AI) on 24 July 2024 that discussed the potential use of AI in local government and AI policy considerations.  

The National Assembly of the National Association of Local Councils’ (NALC) held its latest quarterly meeting in London on 9 July.

Author: Daisy Petrow, communications officer, the National Association of Local Councils

Now’s the time to start your White Ribbon Day plans! The theme for this year’s White Ribbon Day has been revealed: ‘It starts with men’.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Policy Committee supported two motions submitted by county associations at its meeting on 16 July 2024.

Sherburn in Elmet Town Council has been honoured as a national champion in the prestigious Bees' Needs campaign, recognising their exemplary efforts in promoting and protecting pollinators through responsible and sustainable stewardship of the local area and its amenities.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) hosted a Youth Engagement Summit, which succeeded in its mission to engage and inspire young people to take an active role in local governance and community leadership.

Author: Kate Sullivan, education and engagement manager, RECOUP

Everything we buy, use and consume is provided by natural resources on planet earth. The problem is, we are utilising those resources at a far faster rate than the earth can regenerate them which is unsustainable and risks future generations’ health and wellbeing and financial and political security.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has published its quarterly activity report covering April to June 2024.

James Alexander, chair of the Improvement and Development Board (IDB), expressed delight over the progress of establishing task forces aimed at harnessing a range of expertise on a task-and-finish basis.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) climate emergency national network met on 12 July 2024 to discuss advancing climate literacy and sustainability practices within local (parish and town) councils.

Author: Nadoya Reid, communications officer, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC)

This net zero week is the perfect time for local (town and parish) councils to reflect on their roles in addressing climate change and reaffirm their commitments to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) online event recordings are freely available on its website.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) attended the Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) Work Experience Week 2024 event on 5 July 2024. The event brings together students and local authorities to shape the legal profession's future.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) attended the launch of the English Rural Housing Association's groundbreaking Design Guide, which aims to transform the perception of affordable rural housing.

Author: Claire FitzGerald, administration manager, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC)

To the Palace we went and it poured,

We got really soaked but not bored,

They played Mr Blue Sky,

We couldn’t work-out why,

But we had brilliant fun, thank the Lord.

The National Association of Local councils (NALC) held a climate event on 26 June 2024 that discussed how local (parish and town) councils can fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. 

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has pushed for a greater role for local (parish and town) councils in delivering community energy projects.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) national network for coastal communities, met to discuss water quality and a coastal festival.  

Author: Nadoya Reid, communications officer, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC)

Pride Month is a vibrant and essential time for communities across the globe to celebrate and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. For Pride 2024, various local (town and parish) councils in the UK have embraced this spirit wholeheartedly, organising events and activities that reflect their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout celebrations and explore how other councils can get involved in 2025.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) made a significant and important appearance at Corby Pride on 22 June 2024, marking its first-ever involvement in a Pride event.