NALC launches new banking hub to help councils review their arrangements

We have launched a new banking hub to help parish and town councils navigate the challenges of day-to-day banking and make informed decisions about their financial arrangements.

The new hub brings together practical guidance, useful resources and links to trusted organisations, supporting parish and town councils to review whether their current banking arrangements continue to meet their needs.

In recent years, parish and town councils have reported frustrations with banking services, including delays in opening accounts, changing authorised signatories and updating mandates. Many councils have also highlighted the limited understanding of the sector among high street banks, making routine administrative processes more difficult than they should be.

The new banking hub has been developed in response to this feedback. It reflects the changing banking landscape, where providers are increasingly offering services designed specifically for public sector organisations.

The hub encourages parish and town councils to regularly review their banking arrangements and consider whether their current provider offers the right level of support, digital functionality, value for money and security. It also provides practical information on switching banks, managing mandate changes, treasury management, ethical banking and sustainability considerations.

Alongside practical guidance, the hub signposts parish and town councils to a range of external resources, including the Current Account Switch Service, Cash Access UK, UK Finance and the Post Office, helping councils access further information and support.

Whether your parish or town council is experiencing ongoing banking difficulties or wants to ensure its arrangements remain fit for purpose, the new banking hub provides a single place to access advice, guidance and helpful resources.