Membership
100% of Telford & Wrekin local councils are in membership of the Association and 99% in Shropshire. This means that their voice is heard on local issues and at national level. SALC is constituted to support local councils and parish meetings in the delivery of services to their communities. As it is not a statutory body it has no powers or duties to intervene in the operation of individual councils. Membership includes:
- Advice and information to member councils for them to use as they deem appropriate, on a range if subjects including: Legal advice service; Employment advice service; Advice on council administration; Policy consultation and advice; National Circulars and Information Bulletins.
- Telephone helpline
- Training - The Association runs an extensive programme of training courses to equip clerks and councillors.
- National affiliation - Membership of the Association provides affiliation to the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) which seeks to represent local councils at national level as well as providing advice on legal and procedural matters, national publications and regular information bulletins.
We positively encourage local councils into membership and will be pleased to quote membership fees on request with a copy of our Service Agreement.
National Association of Local Councils: Established in 1947, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is a membership organisation and the only national body representing the interests of local (parish and town) councils. NALC works with county associations to support, promote and improve local councils. Please find out more about how we work and our mission.
Who can join: England's current 10,000 local and newly created councils can join via county associations.
What we do: NALC provides a national voice for local councils across England. We campaign on their behalf, raise awareness of their work and provide them with various services to support their needs. These services include lobbying the national government to get the best legislative deal for local councils; providing specialist technical, legal and financial advice to member councils; organising events for member councils; providing up-to-date guidance on national and legal developments; and sharing good practices between specific local council networks on a range of service areas.
Why join: NALC operates at a national level to represent local councils. NALC provides several services:
- Campaigning – lobby for the issues important to local councils and communicate those views to the government and various influential private, charity and public organisations.
- Legal, accounts and audit advice – Written, telephone and digital advice from NALC's well-experienced solicitors.
- Information on current legislative developments.
- Publications – Access to The Good Councillor's guide suite covering topics such as being a good employer, community business, cyber security, finance and transparency, neighbourhood planning, and transport planning.
- Conferences, events and training – NALC's national events and training sessions are opportunities to bring our diverse membership together to learn about new or topical initiatives and share ideas.
- Publicity – Raise the profile of local councils and the sector beyond a regional level.
- Media – Guidance on how to deal with media crises, how to deal with reporters and media outlets and writing a media policy.
- Standards, awards and recognition – Year-round opportunities for local councils to take up the chance to celebrate and be recognised for achievements through the Local Council Award Scheme and the Star Council Awards.