The term “Parish Council” can be very confusing because many people associate the word “Parish” with either the Church of England or other churches.  In fact,  Parishes had their origins in the old Manorial System and were both civil and church bodies.  During the 19th century it became increasingly obvious that the Church of England parishes and the local government parishes should be separate and that the Civil Parishes should become the lowest tier of government and subject to the democratic process.  We are one of these Civil Parishes.  Bretforton Parish Council has no connection with the church, nor does it have any connection with any political parties.  

Every Civil Parish has a Parish Meeting, consisting of all the electors of the Parish.  This meeting is held annually.  Bretforton, a medium Civil Parish, also has a Parish Council which is elected every four years.  Councillors are volunteers and unpaid, and the number of councillors is determined by the number of residents within the Civil Parish.