Become a Member

Membership is open to Town, Parish or Community Councils or Parish Meetings. Being a Member gives your Councillors and Clerk direct access to a range of expert advice, support and services specifically for the Parish sector. For further information about joining your County Association please email info@dorset-aptc.gov.uk

• ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION Includes membership of DAPTC and NALC. Subscription is based upon the size of your community.

• TRAINING Access to locally run courses as well as national training providers on a wide selection of sector specific topics.

• SUPPORT & ADVICE Clarification on the legislation for the sector and guidance on best practice for Clerks and Councillors.

• ONLINE INFORMATION Access to the DAPTC website and NALC's online resources to help councils deliver more in their communities.

• PUBLICATIONS & BRIEFINGS Access to sector publications showcasing projects and ideas as well as current hot topics for the sector.

• WEEKLY E-News & MONTHLY TRAINING E-News  Helping you know what's available and when in terms of training courses and Working Together Webinars.

For more information and to discuss DAPTC membership please email info@dorset-aptc.gov.uk

Established in 1947, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is a membership organisation and the only national body representing the interests of local councils. NALC works in partnership with county associations to support, promote and improve local councils.

Local council is a universal term for community, neighbourhood, parish and town councils. With 10,000 local councils across England, every local council is able to become a member of NALC by joining their local county association. 

NALC provide a national voice for local councils across England. We campaign on their behalf, raise awareness of their work and provide them with a range of services to support their needs. 

NALC lobby for the issues that are important to local councils and communicating those views to government and a range of influential organisations, in the private, charity and public sector

Written, telephone and digital advice from NALC’s well-experienced solicitors

fortnightly Direct Information Service (DIS), guides on being a good councillor, employer, finance and transparency, neighbourhood planning and a range of toolkits

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

Guidance on how to deal with a media crises, how to deal with reporters and media outlets and writing a media policy

Opportunities all year round for local councils to take up the chance to celebrate and be recognised for achievements through the Local Council Award Scheme, Council Spotlight and Star Council Awards

You cannot be a member of NALC without being a member of your county association. Membership to your county association will give you automatic membership to NALC as well.

Join Dorset Assocation of Parish & Town Councils by emailing info@dorset-aptc.gov.uk

 For the NALC portion of your Membership you will pay £0.0771 per elector. There is a cap on large town councils.

Our schedule of charges are set out below:

DAPTC Subscription Charges 2024-2025

Read NALC's services, achievements and what our members had to say about our work in this handy Benefits of Membership booklet.