With just under four weeks until the National Rural Conference 2024 gets underway, the Rural Services Network (RSN) is excited to continue highlighting our key sponsors. This virtual event, set to take place from 16th to 19th September and accessible through Zoom, is the premier gathering for senior officers, members, policymakers, and rural service professionals.

We are pleased to introduce the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) as one of our valued sponsors. NALC stands as the only recognised national membership organisation representing 10,000 community, neighbourhood, parish, and town councils throughout England.

NALC plays a pivotal role in ensuring that local councils, which represent 35 million people and 16 million electors, are vibrant, dynamic, and effective in their efforts. These councils collectively raise £700 million in precept and invest over £2 billion into their communities. NALC firmly believes that these councils are central to the community effort, delivering essential services and providing a democratic voice to their constituents.

In England, there are 10,000 local councils, with some of the largest having an annual precept exceeding £1 million. Over 100,000 councillors contribute more than 14 million hours annually, working tirelessly to effect positive change in their communities. Remarkably, over 300 new local councils have been established in rural and urban areas in the last decade, reflecting the ongoing growth and importance of these institutions.

For more information on NALC’s initiatives and how they are fostering vibrant local councils across England, please visit their website or follow them on social media at X (formerly Twitter): @NALC and Facebook: @NationalAssociationOfLocalCouncils.

Stay tuned for more updates from our other sponsors and supporters who are equally committed to the success and progress of our rural communities.

Join us in making a difference for rural communities!

The conference is free to attend for local authorities that are members of the Rural Services Network and members of the Rural Services Partnership. To verify your organisation’s membership or for any questions, contact events@sparse.gov.uk