The Parish Council represents all the areas listed on the home page and is made up of ten councillors including a chair and a vice chair. Members serve for a period of four years and the present council was elected in May 2023. All councillors are residents of the parish. A clerk is appointed by the council and is paid for his or her services.The role of the clerk is to provide background information in an advisory role, to make sure that the council acts within the law, to maintain financial records, prepare agendas and take minutes. More details on the role of clerk can be found under 'Parish Clerk'

Parish councils form the first layer of local government and as the effects of the new localism act take effect, will become more and more important.

One of the great benefits of having a parish council is that it attracts a precept or grant from the local authority. This comes from the council tax paid by all residents. The parish council can use this to support local events, activities, individuals with specific needs or other local causes. Without a parish council there is no precept.

All planning applications within the parish start at the council. Although the parish council does not have the power to grant permission or to refuse permission it will look carefully at the application, take into account local feelings and make recommendations to the planning authority.

The parish council deals with a huge range of issues ranging from highway matters to individual concerns raised by parishioners, in many cases drawing the attention of the appropriate body to address a specific problem.

Meetings take place roughly every six weeks in either the Allardice Hall or the Methodist Chapel school room. Agendas are published on this site and on the village notice board one week before a meeting. Similarly minutes are published on this site and on the notice board. Meetings are all open to the public who are actively encouraged to attend and to contribute or raise matters during the appropriate time on the agenda.

Parkham parish councillors are very aware that they represent the members of the parish and take that responsibility very seriously. Councillors will always listen to the concerns of parishioners and will represent their concerns or issues. Contact details can be found on the village notice board or on this website.