What we do

The parish council supports and advises residents on a wide range of issues which affect the local community and the rural environment. We also provide updates to local residents on news coming from Somerset County Council and South Somerset District Council.

Parish council duties

The parish council has responsibility for local issues and sets an annual precept, part of the council tax, to cover its operating costs. Annual accounts are published for public scrutiny.

The parish council undertakes projects to maintain and repair parish facilities. The council is the guardian of the Parish Assets of Community Value-St Andrew’s Church, Bayford Village Hall and Unicorn Inn.

The parish works closely with the district council which is responsible for highways, drainage, footpaths, public transport and street cleaning.

Local conservation matters (including trees and listed buildings) and environmental issues are also the responsibility of the parish council.

Another important role is to consider local planning applications and to send its recommendations to the planning authority (district council).

The parish maintains strong links with the police, district council officers and local Neighbourhood Watch groups on matters of crime, security and traffic.

To view the annual accounts of the Parish Council, please click here

Annual Parish Meeting

Held every May, this is an opportunity for the local community to come together and discuss issues in the parish. For example, we cover potential improvements, neighbourhood issues, upcoming parish events and any other ideas people would like us to consider.

Although this is not technically a Parish Council meeting, the proceedings are facilitated by the chairman with other councillors present.

District council

The parish is in the district of South Somerset, which was formed on April 1, 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, having previously been part of Wincanton Rural District. The district council is responsible for local planning and building control, local roads, council housing, environmental health, markets and fairs, refuse collection and recycling, cemeteries leisure services, parks and tourism.

For more information visit https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/

County council

Somerset County Council is responsible for running the larger local services such as education, social services, libraries, main roads, public transport, policing and fire services, trading standards, waste disposal and strategic planning.

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