The Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC) represents the interests of town and parish councils across the island. Membership currently comprises 27 of our 33 local councils. IWALC is a member of the the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and a full part of the national structure of county associations of local councils (CALCs), We provide access to resources, training and information to member councils enabling them to better serve their electorates.

Member councils can ask IWALC for support, advice, representation and discussion in almost any circumstances or take advantage of the direct access to NALC which is not available to non-member councils or by any other route. We offer a friendly, professional and expert service in partnership with the National Association of Local Councils. We are also part of the Local Government Association.

IWALC receives no funding from central government or the Isle of Wight Council. Members, like all town and parish councillors, serve as unpaid volunteers.

The isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC) is made up of representatives of Town and Parish councils. All members are unpaid volunteers. There are no full time staff and limited finances. Design and maintenance of this website is undertaken by a volunteer.

What does IWALC do?

As the County Association of Local Councils (CALC) for the county of the Isle of Wight, IWALC provides representation, infrastructure and support to town and parish councils on the Isle of Wight. IWALC is a part of the national structure of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), which provides centralised legal and other advisory services to parish and town councils.  NALC lobby's direct to the National Government.

Representatives of IWALC are elected from its Executive Committee to serve on other bodies including the Isle of Wight Council's Scrutiny Committee, the IW Health and Well Being Board, Community Action Isle of Wight, The IW Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the South East Regional County Association Forum as well as to be the Island's delegates to NALC and the LGA.

One of IWALC's main tasks is to facilitate and finance training for local councillors. Recent courses have included Code of Conduct, Planning and Chairmanship skills.