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Background

The Hampshire Association of Local Councils (Hampshire ALC) is a member-owned association acting as a support organisation and representative body for the 261 parish and town councils, including 21 parish meetings, of Hampshire. The ALC currently enjoys 96% membership levels (252/261). 

It sits in a national triangle hierarchy of local councils:

Location and Resources

The ALC is based in Chandler's Ford and has five employee posts (and a Company Secretary in addition).  All are part-time except the Chief Executive; current staffing levels run to around 116.5 hours a week. The ALC is the lead body for the Local Council Development Team, chaired by the Chief Executive of the ALC.  The lead officer for the training partnership is the Development Officer.  See the Organisational Structure here.

The ALC's annual turnover is around £200k and is currently funded roughly in the following proportions:


Subscriptions are amongst the lowest in the country, while service levels are amongst the highest. Subscriptions are based on a formula around the square root of the number of electors.

Structure

The Association is run by seven County Directors in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles.  Board members are elected from the seven District Associations, who in turn come from our member councils.  The Association's President is Professor Gerry Stoker, Professor of Politics at the University of Southampton.  Our Chairman is currently Cllr Anne Winstanley of Bishopstoke Parish Council in Eastleigh Borough, and is supported by two Vice Chairmen, Cllr Dr. Colin Mercer of Botley, Eastleigh and Cllr Barbara Holyome of Bramdean and Hinton Ampner in Winchester District.  Colin is also Hampshire's National Council Member and Barbara sits as a parish representative on the South Downs Park Authority.

Services and Assistance

Representation, Lobbying and Campaigning The ALC has strong links with all levels of the Statutory and Community Sectors in the County. County Councillor David Kirk is a Vice President of the ALC. Through its representation on many bodies, including the Hampshire Senate, LAA, and Local Government Association, the ALC is able to influence policy that affects local residents.  The ALC enjoys strong links with Hampshire SLCC, and the Chairman attends County Board Meetings.
Information Information is forwarded primarily through our website, but the ALC also issues weekly emails, a newsletters three times a year, and an annual report. There are also many documents and guidance booklets available. Advice on new legislation and consultations is also given through our LAIS service.
Query Service This service is open to clerks and chairman of member councils. The Member Support Officer is able to help with anything that life may throw at a council. This service includes a desktop legal service operated in conjunction with Hedley's Solicitors. Help with employment matters is also available within this service.
Health & Safety Guidance We have an honorary Health and Safety Advisor who is available to councils by phone or email.
Clerk Recruitment The ALC offers support with clerk recruitment, and locum/holiday cover may also be available.
Councillor and Officer Development Training for members and officers is offered at discounted rates. Non-members are also welcome to use this service at standard rates.
Support and Networking The ALC provides a structure for networking and support. Clerks for example often work alone, and the Hampshire ALC provides a lifeline for these crucial officers in any local council.

In summary, Hampshire ALC can help a local council to resolve the majority of the issues, problems or tasks it is faced with. However, occassionally when we are unable to help you find a solution we will be delighted to put you in touch with one of our network of expert contacts who can advise you further.

Why join the Hampshire ALC?

All local councils and parish meetings in Hampshire are welcome to join the ALC. For further information on this please contact Steven Lugg, the Chief Executive.

The ALC currently has 252 members of a possible 261. Current high levels of customer satisfaction means that record numbers of local councils belong at this time. It is a national, governmental and the Association's view that no local council can operate effectively without membership to its county association. From the Association's perspective, it can only be a strong lobbying body at County and District level if it has almost full membership of its councils.

Membership also carries automatic membership of the relevant District Association and of the National Association (NALC), based in London.  Memberships are intertwined and not available on their own.

The amount of external funding brought into the sector, and highlighted for local council use also means that subscription fees can be more than covered by claiming external project funding for those proactive councils who wish to. This means that membership often costs less than the funds attracted through that membership.

 

Page Owner: Office Manager & Training Support
Last Updated: July 2010