What we do

The Parish Council supports and represents residents on a wide range of local issues affecting the community, countryside, and rural environment. We work to keep residents informed about important local matters, services, and decisions from Somerset Council and other public bodies that impact the parish.

Parish Council Duties

The Parish Council is responsible for a variety of local matters and sets an annual precept as part of the Council Tax to fund its services and projects. Annual accounts are published each year and are available for public inspection.

The Council undertakes projects to maintain, improve, and protect parish facilities and community assets. It is also the custodian of the parish’s designated Assets of Community Value, including:

  • St Andrew’s Church
  • Bayford Village Hall
  • Unicorn Inn

The Parish Council works closely with Somerset Council on matters including:

  • Highways and road safety
  • Drainage and flooding issues
  • Public footpaths and rights of way
  • Public transport
  • Street cleaning and environmental maintenance

The Council is also consulted on planning applications within the parish and submits recommendations to the Local Planning Authority as part of the planning process.

Local conservation matters, including listed buildings, trees, and environmental concerns, are regularly considered by the Council to help preserve the character and heritage of the parish.

In addition, the Parish Council maintains strong links with local policing teams, council officers, and Neighbourhood Watch groups on matters relating to crime prevention, traffic, and community safety.

To view the Annual Accounts of the Parish Council, please click here.

Annual Parish Meeting

Held annually in May, the Annual Parish Meeting provides an opportunity for residents to come together and discuss matters affecting the parish. Topics may include local improvements, community concerns, upcoming events, environmental issues, and suggestions for future projects.

Although this is not formally a Parish Council meeting, it is chaired by the Parish Council Chairman and attended by Parish Councillors.

Somerset Council

Following local government reorganisation in April 2023, the former district and county councils in Somerset were replaced by a single unitary authority: Somerset Council.

Somerset Council is responsible for delivering a wide range of public services across the county, including:

  • Planning and building control
  • Education and schools
  • Social services
  • Highways and transport
  • Waste collection and disposal
  • Libraries and leisure services
  • Environmental health
  • Housing services
  • Trading standards
  • Fire and public safety services

For more information, please visit:
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/