The parish meeting, held once a year, consists of the local government electors of the parish. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss parish affairs. A 'parish affair' could be any local issue, activity, or subject matter which specifically affects a particular parish and which a parish meeting may wish to discuss, debate and potentially influence. It would not be anything which may affect all parishes in the country equally.

Parish meetings are an effective mechanism for the parish council to engage with the local electorate. Even if the parish council disagrees with the issues raised, or related arguments, the council members’ attendance and involvement in the parish meeting demonstrates that the council is prepared to take account of local residents’ views.