Hellesdon is a civil parish founded in 1563, with its own Parish Council.  It has slowly grown in size from being a small hamlet.  The present council has fourteen members, who each represent the whole village, democratically elected every four years.  The full council meets approximately once a month, with committee meetings more frequently.  Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings, and may address the council under the "Ten Minute Rule" during meetings of the full council.

There are some things that the Parish Council can do by law, and even more things that we cannot do and have to be done by District Council or County Council or Central Government.  The Chairman of Hellesdon Parish Council, presently Mr. David Britcher, performs a number of duties and responsibilities which includes:

• Planning meetings with the Hellesdon Parish Council Clerk and ensuring that everything on the agenda is legal.
• Briefing themselves and preparing fully, studying all relevant information and anticipating the needs and interests of the other councillors.
• Welcoming the public and guest speaker.
• Conducting meetings.
• Participating in matters being discussed.
• Planning and controlling discussions and developing harmonious relationships.
• Summarising the meeting's views and conclusions and confirming what has been decided on.

What he does not do:

• Take decisions on his own, he is the spokesperson for Hellesdon Parish Council to smooth the passage of meetings.
• Lead Hellesdon Parish Council politically.