Bidford-on-Avon Parish Council, which is the tier of local government closest to its community, was created in 1895 – just one year after parish councils were formed under the Local Government Act of 1984 “to take over local oversight of civic duties in rural town and villages from the vestry committee”.

Bidford-on-Avon Parish Council covers the village of Bidford-on-Avon itself, as well as Broom and the hamlets of Barton and Marlcliff and its 6,101 residents are represented by 11 Councillors, all of which are elected every 4 years. The Chairman of the parish Council is elected, annually, by the Parish Council at its Annual Meeting, which takes place every year in May.

It is divided into 2 wards:

• Bidford East – represented by 6 councillors
• Bidford West – represented by 5 councillors

It is also represented by 1 County Councillor (first tier of local government) and by 2 District Councillors at Stratford-on-Avon DC (second tier of local government).

As required by law, the Parish Council employs a Clerk, also known as Proper Officer, who is the Chief Executive of the Council: it is the Clerk’s duty to advise Council, carry out its instructions and act as administrator. And a Responsible Financial Officer (RFO. Often, as is the current case, the Clerk and the RFO are one and the same.

Bidford-on-Avon Parish Council is responsible for the allotments, cemeteries and play areas/public open space. It also maintains the grass verges and the churchyard in behalf of District Council.

The Council holds Parish Council meetings once a month: on the last Monday (except Bank Holidays) and monthly Consultative Planning Committee meetings on the second Monday of the month. All meetings are open to the public who are able to raise issues under an Item called Public Forum – this is, however, the only time they can.