Dorchester Town Council

Dorchester Town Council is working to create a sustainable, inclusive town, where thriving communities and a rich heritage lay the foundation for a bright future.

We are the parish authority for the county town of Dorset.  There has been a history of local government in the town since Anglo Saxon times and Dorchester has been the county town since 1305.  It has elected a mayor since 1629. The Town Council was created in 1974.

The town has a population of around 20,000, which continues to grow quickly with the expansion of Dorchester at Poundbury and Brewery Square. The Town Council provides a range of community and recreational facilities and promotes the town's interests with the other statutory bodies that operate in the town, notably the Dorset Council.

The Town Council has 20 members in five wards, elected for a period of 5 years until 2029.