NALC Annual General Meeting highlights parish and town councils' role in tackling climate change
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 13 November 2025 placed the climate emergency firmly at the centre stage, highlighting the growing role of parish and town councils in leading local action and strengthening national momentum behind the transition to net zero.
The keynote presentation from Simon Oldridge, the lead organiser of the National Emergency Briefing, set out stark warnings from scientists, insurers and global institutions about the accelerating climate and nature crisis. He emphasised that these risks, from economic instability to mass displacement and major regions becoming uninsurable, require clear communication and rapid action.
Simon Oldridge outlined the forthcoming national briefing event in Westminster, featuring world-leading experts aimed at replicating the clarity and urgency of the COVID-19 briefings. He stressed that parish and town councils are well placed to support public engagement, stating, "It would be helpful… to distribute information to the 10,000 parish and town councils and the 100,000 councillors so they're aware of what's going on". He confirmed he welcomed councils sharing details and encouraging attendance.
The meeting also heard from the Suffolk Association of Local Councils (SALC), which presented its highly regarded model for helping communities respond to major energy and transport infrastructure. SALC explained how it had produced a practical guide for parish and town councils, secured £110,000 of joint funding with the National Grid, and created a dedicated engagement coordinator to support smaller parish and town councils. The AGM praised the approach as a template that other county associations could adopt.
The AGM then backed a motion from the Lancashire Association of Local Councils (LALC) calling for structured, early engagement with parish and town councils on national energy projects. LALC argued that local knowledge can reduce risk, improve design and avoid high-cost delays, noting estimates of potential savings of up to £1.5bn. The motion, which commits NALC to advocating for stronger local involvement and better training and resources for councils, passed with overwhelming support.
Although the climate debate dominated the AGM, it also confirmed this year's appointments, agreed affiliation fees for 2026/27 at 8.6 pence per elector (capped at £2,216 for the largest councils), and completed the meeting's formal business. The AGM closed with a tribute to Cllr Keith Stevens, whose recent passing is felt across the sector. His dedication and leadership as chair were warmly remembered, with the AGM reflecting on his commitment to strengthening parish and town councils and championing their role in communities.
