A Parish Council is your local authority; a part of local government working within the many constraints of legislation passed down by government.

The role of the Parish Council is very different from district, county, metropolitan or unitary authorities. We are a lot smaller and locally accountable, representing a definable local community and with all our statutory powers being discretionary, it allows us to decide where best to act and use our resources. It is important for the Parish Council to have a mandate from its parishioners, to represent all sectors of the community we serve, and to carry out the wishes of local electors.

A Parish Council is the most democratic area of local government, if the majority of the constituents say that they would like the council to pursue something on their behalf and it is within our powers, then that is what we agree to do when we are sworn into office.

Quedgeley Parish Council was created in 1894, as a Civil Parish Council, distinct and completely separate from the Parochial Church Council (which is responsible for St James' Church). Parish Councillors are local people who are interested in protecting and enhancing the area in which we live or carry out a trade, profession or business. Elections are held every four years, the next being in 2007, with bi-elections as and when required should there be casual vacancies.