Town and Parish Councils

What is a town, parish or community council?

Parish and town councils in England and community and town councils in Wales are the first tier of local government. They deliver a vast range of services at a community level.

There are around 10,000 community, parish and town councils in England and Wales, made up of nearly 100,000 councillors. These first-tier councils can respond to the needs of the community – delivering the services or representation it most needs.

At present, but not in all locations in England and Wales, there is a three-tiered structure of local government.

Town/Parish/Community Council

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 District/Borough Council

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County Council

Powers and duties

Parish and town councils have a large range of powers, and the activities parish and town councils are involved in are immense. Many parish and town councils are involved in planning, promoting tourism, licensing, community halls, representation, management of town and village centres and providing community halls.

Bedfordshire Town and Parish Councils|