News and motions agreed at the 2024 NALC AGM provided by Jonathan Owen, NALC Chief Executive
Thank you to those who attended and contributed at yesterday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). In advance of the draft minutes which will be published next week, the following summarises key elements from the AGM.
Motions
The following motions were agreed:
- NALC’s affiliation fee for council membership for 2025/26 increases from 7.94 pence to 8.34 pence per elector, capped at £2,137 for larger councils (£2,037 in 2024/5).
- A Task and Finish Group be set up to review the basis of NALC’s Affiliation Fees. The Management Board will draw up terms of reference and agree necessary resourcing.
- National and local government working together to build stronger communities - NALC AGM Motion
Appointment of president and vice-presidents
The following appointments of NALC’s parliamentary president and vice-presidents and working vice-president were agreed:
- Baroness Scott of Needham Market (Liberal Democrat Party)) was re-appointed president.
- Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) was re-appointed vice-president.
- The Earl of Lytton (Cross-bencher) was re-appointed vice-president.
- The appointment of vice-presidents from the Labour and Conservative Parties was delegated to NALC’s chair and chief executive.
- Councillor Sue Baxter was reappointed as a working vice-president.
External speaker
As part of NALC’s community safety workstream, Emily Spurrell, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Merseyside and chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), addressed the AGM. She outlined the work of a Police and Crime Commissioner and the role of the APCC. She stressed the role local councils and councillors could play as the heart of the community. Partnership working was key to tackling many community safety issues. Parish and town councils could help as representatives of their places providing local intelligence. They were increasingly involved in road safety, supporting Police Community Support Officers, engaging young people and high streets and the night-time economy. She encouraged councils and councillors to engage with their PCC and to feed in views into the local policing plans which were now being developed. She was also keen to develop the relationship with NALC.
Other announcements
AGM delegates were urged to:
- encourage councils to engage with their Members of Parliament.
- sign the civility and respect pledge.
- consider accreditation under the Local Council Award Scheme.
- respond to the government consultation on remote meetings
There was also a discussion of the implications of the recent budget announcement to increase employers national insurance contributions. One delegate from a Hampshire town council estimated a 41% increase in their contributions. A Cornwall representative quoted a cash figure of an additional £51,000. The County Durham Association estimated an extra £1500 (46%). The additional cost for NALC would be around £20,000 per annum. Do let us have any factual examples you have.
Delegates were also urged to encourage colleague councillors to create an account for the new NALC website. Registrations currently stand at 4100 individuals associated with 2,857 councils. 65% are clerks. 25% are councillors. 10% other council staff.
