Above Derwent Parish Council serves the communities of Braithwaite,, Thornthwaite, Portinscale, Beck Wythop and the Newlands valley.  There are 11 members and the Chairman is Richard Kealey.  The Council is served by the Parish Clerk, Jackie Knights. 

Parish and town councils are the lowest tier of civil administration in England and Wales.  As such, they provide the tier of local government that is closest to the people.  Civil parishes should not be confused with ecclesiastical parishes and their Parochial Church Councils.  Parish and town councils are an essential part of local democracy and they have a wide range of powers and duties.  Further information about the roles of parish councils and how to become a councillor can be found by clicking here.

Council Meetings are held at roughly six-weekly intervals in a number of venues around the Parish.  You can see a calendar of meetings on this site and  you can also download agendas and minutes.  The most recent minutes are aavailable for inspection in the village shops in Braithwaite and Portinscale.

Members of the public are made welcome at Council Meetings. A time is made available shortly after the beginning of the meeting for them, at the discretion of the Chairman, to address the meeting.

Recent Council business has included raising concerns with the Forestry Commission about problems caused by parking outside the Whinlatter Forest, problems with parking at the foot of Catbells, and formulating a response to the West Cumbria Managing Radioactive Waste Safely Partnership.

Above Derwent is in the Derwent Valley ward of the Borough of Allerdale and the elected member for the ward is Hilary Hope.  The Parish is in the Bothel & Wharrels division of Cumbria County Council and the member is Alan Bowness.