It is a common misconception that owning a .gov.uk domain is a mandatory requirement for all councils.  This is not the case.  However, using a .gov.uk domain for council business, email, and your website is absolutely a sign of good practice, trust and professionalism.

Local (parish and town councils) considering a move to a .gov.uk domain but unsure of their obligations should refer to the latest Practitioners Guide 2024.  In strengthened language for the 2024 edition, the guide states that ‘community, suppliers and partners will now reasonably expect a local council to have a .gov.uk domain.’ Section 5.212 provides full details, and there is an important note in Section 1.26 about the use of email for council business.

Councils with a .gov.uk domain benefit from: 

• Robust security measures and monitoring for cyber vulnerabilities by the Cabinet Office
• Emails that are immediately recognisable as legitimate and trustworthy by the recipient
• Separation of personal and professional communications – recipients will always understand the capacity in which you are emailing
• Administrative control over email accounts for easy management of change (new joiners, leavers, sudden absences) as well as Freedom of Information / Subject Access Requests
• Peace of mind that your council’s .gov.uk domain will never be sold to another organisation should it not be renewed on time

The Parish Council Domains Helper Service is available for local councils aspiring to use a .gov.uk domain. Tailored support is available at every step of the process, from initial decision-making and choosing the correct .gov.uk Approved Registrar to setting up your new domain and maintaining good practices. Virtual sessions are accompanied by guides containing checklists, templates, and detailed, practical information.

To register your interest, complete this short form, and the Parish Council Domains Helper Service will send you a welcome pack and an invitation to join one of our introductory sessions. Please note that attending the first introductory session does not obligate you to move to a .gov.uk domain. Councillors and clerks are welcome to come along to learn more; there is no obligation to move forward with a new domain by attending. Questions can also be directed to parish-helper@domains.gov.uk.

Authors: Will Christmas, Sandra Lowe – Parish Council Domains Helper Service, Cabinet Office

More information

This is the second in a series of blogs from the Parish Council Domains Helper Service, other blogs include:

• There’s never been a better time to move to a gov.uk domain
• Why the question ‘how much does a .gov.uk domain cost’ is not easy to answer!
• Understanding your council’s responsibility towards an accessible website

Webinars to learn more!

Clerks Session

All clerks are invited to join this FREE networking session to find out more about moving to a gov.uk domain.

24 June, 10 – 11am

Read more and book your place here

Councillor Session

Councillors are invited to join this FREE networking event to find out more about moving to a gov.uk domain.

2 July, 12 – 1pm

Read more and book here!