NALC publishes updated local government pay scales for 2026/27

We have published an updated advice note covering the local government services pay agreement for 2026/27.

The National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services has agreed a 3.3% increase in pay rates and allowances applicable from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. We encourage parish and town councils to implement the pay award as soon as possible.

The advice note sets out the revised annual salaries and hourly rates for clerks and other employees employed under the terms of the model contract, including salary points 50 and above. The new rates should be applied retrospectively from 1 April 2026.

It also provides guidance on backpay for employees who have left their employment since that date. Where a former employee requests payment, we recommend parish and town councils pay any money owed from 1 April 2026 until their final day of employment.

Hourly rates have been calculated using the NJC-agreed formula based on a standard 37-hour working week. The updated scales also reflect the deletion of salary point 2 from 1 April 2026.