Shapwick Parish Council is made up of seven members, who can be either elected or co-opted, if necessary.

The Parish Council employs a clerk who is responsible for the administration of council business including the finances.

The Parish Council acts on behalf of the community and has responsibility for local issues which include:

• Setting the local precept to cover the Parish Council’s operating costs;
• Acting as a consultee to Sedgemoor District Council in relation to planning applications;
• Undertaking projects which will benefit the parish; and
• Liaising with other organisations when maintenance issues or problems arise.

The Parish Council has adopted the model code of conduct and works within the ‘Nolan Principles, upon which public service is founded.

Shapwick Parish Council meets on the third Tuesday of alternate months at 7.30pm in the village hall. Occasionally additional site meetings are held to consider planning applications.

All residents are welcome to attend Parish Council meetings during which there is a Villagers’ Open Period when members of the public may speak. The Parish Council meetings operate within a given framework and only items on the agenda can be discussed. The agenda is published, on this website and the Parish Council noticeboard, a week in advance of the meetings.