The County Durham Association of Local Councils (CDALC) was formed just after the second world war and has been in existence for over 60 years. It is a member owned association acting as an umbrella and support body for local councils and parish meetings in County Durham. Current membership of the Association is 97 of the 104 local councils (93%) and 5 of 23 parish meetings (22%) in County Durham.
The County Association also provides a support service to three local councils from Darlington Borough Council area and one each from the Sunderland City Council and Gateshead Borough Council areas.
Membership of the Association also carries with it membership of the National Association of Local Councils in London and membership of the CDALC local councils sub committee structure.