Totnes Town Council is the parish authority for the town of Totnes. It is the third tier of local government, after South Hams District Council and Devon County Council. Its legal powers are granted to it and regulated by various government acts.
The town population is approximately 8000. The Town Council supplements the provision of local government services in Totnes and provides a range of social and recreational facilities, while promoting and representing the town with other national and statutory bodies.
For example the Town Council acts as a consultee and lobbying force with both the county and district councils, and both regional and national government, putting forward the wishes and needs of the local community. Devon County Council, which covers the whole of the county, (whose main responsibilities include education, social services, highways, strategic planning and libraries), consults with the Town Council on such subjects as the regeneration of the Totnes Library and the Local Transport Plan. South Hams District Council (which is mainly responsible for development control, environmental health, refuse collection, economic development and major recreational facilities) also consults with the Town Council on such matters as Masterplanning proposed developments in Totnes and supporting community groups like Bridgetown Alive.
