NALC and SLCC welcome the publication of Martyn's Law statutory guidance

As a representative on the parish and town council sector's Martyn's Law Steering Group, alongside the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC), we have welcomed the Home Office's statutory guidance for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn's Law.

Issued under Section 27 of the Act, this statutory guidance marks an important step in supporting those responsible for publicly accessible premises and events to understand and meet their legal obligations. The Act is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack. His mother, Figen Murray, led the campaign for this landmark legislation, which applies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

While counter-terrorism remains the responsibility of the government, many settings within the scope of the Act, such as community venues and events, fall within areas where parish and town councils play a vital role. This guidance, which we and SLCC contributed to during its development, provides practical support to help parish and town councils and other duty holders understand the scope of the legislation, identify qualifying premises and events, and ensure compliance with the legal requirements.

The guidance also signposts additional materials developed by expert security partners, including the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the National Protective Security Authority, to support proportionate and effective protective security measures.

Key themes within the statutory guidance include the context and drivers for the legislation, definitions and key terminology, scope of qualifying premises and events, roles and responsibilities, legal requirements under the Act, and approaches to compliance.

We, alongside the SLCC, reaffirm our ongoing commitment to working collaboratively to support parish and town councils in preparing for Martyn's Law. Over the coming months, the sector steering group will develop tailored sector-specific guidance, tools and training to ensure that all local councils are well-informed and, by the time the Act becomes fully enforceable, are in the best possible position to meet their statutory obligations.

We will publish further updates and resources for parish and town councils as they become available.