This is what Tony Kempster has to say (www.tonykempster.co.uk is well worth a visit). Although I would still bet on 21 clubs (or possibly 23 as NPL had to do to accomodate Barrow)
"This could be the knock on effect of Telford's demise
Northwich Victoria move from Step 2 to Step 1
Ashton United move from Step 3 to Step 2 (the 14th placed clubs in Isthmian
and Southern are already there)
Ossett Town move from Step 4 to Step 3 (although Isthmian and Southern clubs
may not agree!)
Newcastle (NWC) or Goole (NCE) move from Step 5 to Step 4 with corresponding
moves from Step 6 to Step 5.
It could be, though, that the powers-that-be don't want to instigate any
more contentious issues and that either the Conference National will run
with 21 teams or Northwich are reprieved and Conference North run with only
21 teams.
As soon as I hear anything definite, I will post on my site."