The parish/town council is the tier of local government closest to the people. A parish/town council represents the concerns of the local community. It is an elected body made up of local people representing the interests of the community.

Parish and town councils have a wide range of powers but little in the way of actual duties. It will be for the new council to decide the activities to be undertaken, which may include :

Parish/town council elections were held on 3 May 2007 to elect twelve councillors to run the council for four years. They will represent the two separate wards with seven from Berry-Head-with-Furzeham and five from St Mary's-with-Summercombe. A town clerk will be appointed to advise the councillors, answer enquiries and manage the administration of the council.