The Town Council is very close to its community; consulting with the residents and addressing their comments and concerns. Where problems are the responsibility of other local government organisations it will consult with those councils to make sure that its residents concerns are addressed. The Town Council employs two full time administrators - the Town Clerk and her assistant, plus a part-time handyman and a part-time groundsman.
Public meetings are held every fortnight, on Thursdays, commencing at 7.45pm, in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall to discuss Town finances, local current affairs of the day and planning issues that affect the Town and its residents; everyone is welcome to attend. You can find a schedule of these meetings and their agendas on the website and on council notice boards in the Town. The Town Council and the Finance & General Works Committee (F&G) meet on alternate fortnights; both meeting commence at 7.45pm. Planning meetings are also held on the same days either following or preceding the meetings. See Meetings further information.
The Town Hall is in the centre of the New Town, near to the railway station. There are 16 Town Councillors who have been elected by the people of Beaconsfield. Councillors are responsible for various areas or Wards of Beaconsfield – North Ward, South Ward, West Ward. Elections take place every four years.
The Mayor of Beaconsfield is the official head of the Town Council and is responsible for the smooth running of the Town. Other duties include meeting dignitaries, welcoming distinguished visitors to the Town, and attending important Town events and community activities. The Mayor will promote the Town by meeting other Town Mayors and local government officers. Beaconsfield has a Town Crier, Mr Richard (Dick) Smith, who officiates at all the Mayor’s official events.
Once an Urban District Council Beaconsfield had the power to make its own decisions on planning applications, finance etc. On the 1st April 1974 following a local government reorganisation Beaconsfield Urban District Council merged with Eton Rural District Council to create South Bucks District Council (SBDC). This reorganisation brought together twelve parishes under one authority and at the same time created Beaconsfield Town Council. This change took away some of the Town’s responsibilities, e.g. decisions on planning applications; but Beaconsfield Town Council still has the right to be consulted and make observations which are relayed to SBDC for consideration. The community still rely heavily on the Town Council who look after their parks, open spaces and makes sure that Beaconsfield is an enjoyable place to live in.