Cropthorne Parish Council is an elected corporate body in the first tier of local government. Higher tiers, known as principal authorities (such as Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council), have many legal duties to deliver services such as education, housing, town and country planning, environmental health, social services, policing etc.
While parish councils do have some legal powers, they have far fewer duties than principal authorities and greater freedom to choose what they do in the interests of improving the local environment and quality of life in the community. However, they do play an important part in representing the interests of the communities they serve, for example by influencing decision makers in the principal authorities, and in delivering services to meet local needs. It is a legal requirement for parish councils to be consulted in planning matters.
As well as managing the land and assets which it owns or is responsible for, Cropthorne Parish Council makes representation in matters concerning planning, traffic and highways, community safety, footpaths etc. The Council also maintains close contact with, and supports where appropriate and possible, a wide range of organisations within the community.