Town councils have a mayor whereas parish councils have a chairman.
The laws governing town councils are the same as for parish councils.
They can be responsible for services, including leisure facilities, parks, supporting museums, running tourist information centres, parks, village halls and allotments.
All town councils must hold an annual public meeting where the residents can question them.
Parish councils have a chairman instead of a mayor (like town councils have).
They're governed by the same rules as town councils.
A typical parish council will maintain their village hall, the parish churchyard, provide allotments and will comment on planning applications affecting the parish.
Parish councils often don't have a permanent office or full-time staff. They might meet in the local village hall or school.
All parish councils must hold an annual public meeting where the residents can question them.
Some of the smaller parishes share a council with another parish.
Some of the smallest parishes don't have a parish council. Instead, they have a 'Parish Meeting'. Everyone in the parish can take part.
A Parish Meeting is a legally recognised form of local government for very small parishes.
A Parish Meeting elects a chairman and a clerk. They are legally responsible for all decisions by the Parish Meeting.