Parish and town councils
Parish and town councils are elected local authorities. Parish councils are not church organisations, and not all parishes have councils.
East Sussex has over 75 parish councils situated in Lewes, Rother and Wealden and 11 town councils:
- Battle Town Council
- Bexhill Town Council
- Crowborough Town Council
- Hailsham Town Council
- Lewes Town Council
- Newhaven Town Council
- Peacehaven Town Council
- Polegate Town Council
- Rye Town Council
- Seaford Town Council
- Telscombe Town Council
- Uckfield Town Council
There are no parish councils in Eastbourne or Hastings at present.
What do they do?
Parish and town councils work at the most local level of government. They do a great deal to improve local services and the quality of life in their communities. The councils differ in size and capacity.
Services they provide include:
- allotments
- cemeteries
- litter bins
- recreation fields
- bus shelters
- parish lighting
- playgrounds
The County Council may also delegate services such as grass cutting and maintenance of rural signposts to some parish or town councils.
Contact your parish or town council
Find contact details for parish and town councils in:
A full list of parish and town councils in East Sussex can be found here:
More information also to be found here:
Becoming a parish or town councillor
We regularly consult with parish and town councils before we make decisions that affect their community. Becoming a parish or town councillor is therefore an excellent way of influencing these decisions, and those of other organisations that affect your community.
Elections
Parish and town councillors are elected by local residents. Elections take place every 4 years. Parish and town council elections took place in May 2023.
Contact your local parish council for information on standing as a councillor.
County councillors in your local parish
Find your local county councillor.