NALC Annual Report highlights strong year for parish and town councils

We have officially published our Annual Report for the year 2024/25, showcasing a year of significant progress for parish and town councils across England.

The report outlines a year marked by innovation, national engagement, and increasing influence of parish and town councils, particularly in the context of devolution and community empowerment.

Key highlights from the report:

• Advocacy and recognition — We strengthened our voice on the national stage, contributing evidence to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, participating in political party conferences, and securing commitments from the government, including continued freedom from referendum limits on precept rises, recognition in devolution plans, and over £7.5 million in government support for neighbourhood planning.
• Digital growth and guidance — The past year saw the launch of our new website, the digitisation of essential publications such as Local Councils Explained, and the continued delivery of up-to-date guidance, including revised standing orders, HR templates, and The Good Councillor’s Guide.
• Financial health — Despite broader inflationary pressures, we reported a small surplus, and our financial footing remains sound with a clear reserves strategy, prudent treasury management, and consistently unqualified audit reports. Affiliation fees have increased modestly, below inflation, and now stand at 8.34p per elector.
• Sector expansion and support — We now represent 88% of parish and town councils. Membership engagement remains high, with over 1,700 parish and town councils having signed the Civility and Respect Pledge and nearly 900 parish and town councils accredited under the Local Council Award Scheme.
• Strong governance and transparency — The newly formed Scrutiny Committee has overseen an accelerated audit process and reviewed core aspects of our performance, financial controls, and digital transformation.
• We are being heard at the highest levels, and parish and town councils continue stepping into a bigger role in delivering real change in communities nationwide. With strategic investment, support, and strong leadership, parish and town councils are well-placed to shape the future of local democracy.