The Parish Council is the most locally elected body within the English system of local government. Most were formed by the Local Government Act in 1894 and they look after the interests of those who live within the parish. They have a wide range of powers at their disposal including giving grants to local organisations, promoting tourism, cleaning public places and providing recreational areas such as playing fields and village halls. The most important role is as a statutory consultee on planning matters. The Local Planning Authority has to consult the Council on all Planning Applications within the Parish boundary.

More information on local councils in England, the role of local councillors and what you need to do if you would like to stand as a candidate in local parish or town council elections is available in the Booklets and Resources section on the National Association of Local Councils web site.

Chelmondiston Parish Council is the first tier of a three-tier system of local government, with Babergh District Council, (in this area) and Suffolk County Council being the next two tiers, all elected by people within the region.

Our Parish Councillors can be found on the Members page, with additional information on Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils' Website.


Our Babergh District Councillor for Orwell Ward is Daniel Potter and his contact details can be found here.


Our Suffolk County Councillor is Simon Harley, and his contact details can be found here.

Chelmondiston Parish Council has eleven members elected every four years, the most recent election was held on the 4th of May 2023 with results posted here. Being a Parish Councillor is a voluntary position; they receive no payment but they are entitled to receive allowances when they carry out certain approved duties outside of the Parish.

The Council employs a part-time Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer, who has the responsibility of ensuring that the Parish Council conducts it's business in a lawful and effective manner. The Council has a set of rules called Standing Orders by which the Council, its elected Members and its Officers conduct their activities. The Standing Orders are available under Documents and Policies. 

Please refer to the Babergh website here for additional information about our parish council and its councillors.  

Our address is: The Village Hall, Main Rd, Chelmondiston, Ipswich IP9 1DX

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