Microsoft 365 is the industry‑standard suite that empowers UK parish and town councils to work smarter, faster, and more securely.
With cloud‑based Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook, staff can collaborate in real time from any location, while automatic updates and built‑in security keep data safe and compliant with UK regulations. Integrated scheduling, shared calendars, and powerful analytics streamline decision‑making and boost transparency, letting councils focus on the communities they serve.
Because the tools are familiar and universally supported, adoption is effortless - delivering immediate productivity gains and a modern, connected experience for every council member.
Choose your Microsoft 365 plan
Choosing the right plan Microsoft 365 plan for your parish or town council is simple, just decide which features you need. If you already have the desktop applications and don't need licenses for the applications then we recommend starting at the Basic tier, you can mix and match user licenses depending on the needs of individual members of your council.
for most councils
Microsoft 365 Basic
Gives you web based version of the essential Microsoft applications; including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Also includes Teams and 1TB cloud storage.
Microsoft Office web applications
1TB OneDrive cloud storage
Microsoft Teams for meetings
50GB business class email
£5.88 / user / month
Price excludes VAT
For larger councils
Microsoft 365 Standard
More comprehensive user license with bundled desktop and mobile applications. Also includes more collaborative tools and enhanced security and data protection features.
Microsoft Office desktop applications
Collaborative features like Sharepoint
Advanced Teams meeting features
Enhanced security features
£12.35 / user / month
Price excludes VAT
all inclusive security
Microsoft 365 Premium
Includes everything but adds advanced data security and device management tools such as Microsoft Defender, Intune device management, and much more.
Microsoft Defender for business
Intune device management
Advanced security tools
Data protection tools
£21.71 / user / month
Price excludes VAT
Frequently Asked Questions
There are so many things to consider when ordering a government domain, below we've done our best to answer the most common questions we get asked. If you have a question we've not answered though then just get in touch.
How is Microsoft 365 different from the traditional Microsoft Office suite?
Most people are familiar with buying a license for a specific version of Microsoft Office that they then own forever and can use on their computer. Microsoft 365 is a subscription service where you pay monthly for access to the latest versions and most secure versions of Microsoft Office plus cloud services such as email, OneDrive, Sharepoint, and lots more - the combination of applications plus cloud services is called Microsoft 365.
How many licenses do I need?
You will need one license for each person that is going to be using email or applications. In Microsoft 365 a user is a person, so even if there are shared inboxes, each person requires a license.
Can I have some users on Microsoft 365 and some on regular email?
No, if you want to use Microsoft 365 then all your users and mailboxes must be on it.
Where is my data stored?
When using Microsoft 365 your data is stored in one of Microsoft's regional data centres depending on the default geography of your account when it is setup. For a council based in the UK your data would be stored most likely in Microsoft's London, Cardiff, or Durham data centres. It may be possible on some tiers of license to specify precisely which data centre you want your data stored in, for example if you are a Welsh council you could store your data in the Cardiff data centre.
No matter where your data is stored, Microsoft 365 is fully compliant with all relevant data protection laws.
What Microsoft 365 license should my parish or town council use?
For the majority of parish councils or town councils, Microsoft 365 Business Basic is suitable. It includes all the web-based apps you need, 1TB cloud storage, and Teams. If you need desktop or mobile applications then you should opt for Microsoft Business Standard instead.
Can I mix Microsoft 365 licenses?
Yes, if you have some users who already have desktop applications and some that don't then you could assign some the cheaper Microsoft Business Basic, and others Microsoft Business Standard.
What happens to my existing files when I sign up to Microsoft 365 and OneDrive?
Once you have OneDrive installed you can move all your existing files into it so that they are available in the cloud and can be easily synchronised between devices or shared securely with other people. As part of your setup we will be able to help you quickly and effortlessly move files into OneDrive.
Do I need training to use Microsoft 365?
Most likely not, the core applications such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Excel all work exactly the same as you are used too and are very intuitive. Teams and Sharepoint are intuitive to use as well but we can offer all the support and advice you need to get the most our of your subscription, and that would include some training on how to use it for you and your staff.
Microsoft also offer a range of online training videos for lots of the features in Microsoft 365 that you can use and share with others.
Do you provide support?
Yes, like every product and service we sell you have access to comprehensive support and advice 24/7/365 so no matter what you need help with and when, we're here for you.
If you need more comprehensive on-going support we also have our IT support packages available, get in touch with us to discuss your options.
Is there a contract minimum term?
Yes, Microsoft 365 licenses are typically on a 12 month contract. You can choose to pay monthly but the minimum term is still 12 months. We generally find for most councils that paying annually is simpler from a financial perspective.
