Free GOV.UK domains and dedicated clerk email addresses.
Assertion 10 of the 2025/26 Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) states that every authority must have a generic email account hosted on an authority-owned domain, for example,
It is important to note that one dedicated email address is required - we suggest that is the clerk's address - and not dedicated email addresses for a whole council. Also, those with a .org domain are not legally required to change for 2025/26 but we recommend considering this change when setting budgets for 2026/27.
To support councils in meeting best practice standards in the Practitioners' Guide, Parish Online is offering a FREE Core Package that includes:
- A .gov.uk domain for your council
- A dedicated
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. email address - A 5GB mailbox
- Free support to get set up and more
This offer is designed specifically for town, parish, and community councils and, as Parish Online is a Community Interest Company (CIC), their focus is on supporting councils rather than profit. While they do offer a subscription package, they have made it clear that their priority is promoting the free option to help councils meet governance requirements. The support service appears to be a user-friendly and the Core Package a cost-effective option for councils to consider.
