The Local Council Award Scheme celebrates the success of councils and provides a framework to support all local councils to meet their full potential. The scheme has been designed to both provide tools and encouragement to councils.

LCAS has three levels of standards councils can apply for:

Foundation Award
For councils who want to show they meet a set of minimum standards to deliver effectively for their communities.

Quality Award
Demonstrates that a council achieves good practise in governance, community engagement and council improvement.

Quality Gold
Demonstrates that a council is at the forefront of best practice and achieves excellence in governance, community leadership and council development.

• The first step is to register online with NALC. You will then be charged a £50 registration fee by NALC.

Tip: You do not need to have all the criteria in place at this stage, you are simply registering your interest in taking part in the scheme

Tip: You can apply for any award level - you don't need to start at Foundation

• When you have the criteria prepared and in place, confirm this in a public meeting

Application submission:
All applications should be sent to lcas@nalc.gov.uk

At this stage, you will also pay an accreditation fee to NALC. This fee depends on the award level you are applying for and the size of your council.

LCAS National Panel Dates: Deadlines for submission:

• 6 January 2023 4pm
• 5 May 2023 4pm
• 8 September 2023 4pm

LCAS fees: There are two fees, both payable to NALC

• Registration fee £50
• Accreditation fee:

If you would like more information about the Local Council Award Scheme please follow this link. Alternatively, you can download the latest version of the guide below.