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.

How parish councils work

Parish councils are statutory bodies. Members are elected for a term of four years and councils are funded principally by an annual precept. Income and expenditure for the next financial year are calculated in the form of estimates. The net amount (the precept) is added to council tax, collected by the county, borough or district council (principal authorities) and paid to parishes in two six-monthly instalments. Parish and town councils can apply for other funding such as grant and funding awards, but they do not receive funds direct from central government, as principal authorities do.

The Parish of Ludgershall in Buckinghamshire has 157 households with a population of 409 (2011 Census) and is served by a Council of seven elected members and a part-time Clerk who is responsible for financial and administrative affairs. The Parish is one of 112 parishes which are part of the Aylesbury Vale District Council area, which in turn is one of four district councils for Buckinghamshire.