a. Constitution

The Local Government Act 1972 sets out the constitution and powers of parish and town councils. Section 14 says that each council shall consist of the Chair and parish councillors, and shall have all such functions as are vested in the council by the 1972 Act, or otherwise.

A parish council must hold an annual meeting, and at least three other meetings in a year. Additionally, there is required to be an assembly of the parish meeting each year, which is not a meeting of the Council but is normally arranged by it. If the Chair of the Council is present they must preside at the parish meeting.

Where the population includes not more than 150 local electors, the parish meeting may apply to the district council for the parish council to be dissolved.