Local council bodies back new Martyn's Law statutory guidance

Two organisations that represent local councils and their clerks — the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) — have publicly welcomed the release of statutory guidance for Martyn's Law. This guidance sits alongside the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which became law in April 2025. Its aim is to explain the Act in practical terms for the people who will need to follow it.

Local councils often look after village halls, community centres, recreation grounds and other spaces used for events. Many of these places could fall within the Act's scope depending on how many people gather at one time. Support from NALC and SLCC signals that these bodies are helping their members get ready and make sense of the coming duties.

The duties are not in force yet. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, and the exact date has not been confirmed. Published guidance is a useful step because it gives operators something concrete to read and plan around, rather than waiting until the last minute. Remember the tiers: standard covers premises where 200 to 799 people may be present at once, and enhanced covers 800 or more, with staff included in the count.

If you run or help manage a community space, it is worth reading the guidance as it becomes available and thinking about your typical attendance numbers. There is no need to rush. Use the time before commencement to familiarise yourself and prepare calmly. Keep an eye out for further detail from the SIA, whose notification process is not yet live.