Councillors (also referred to as Members) are elected or co-opted by the local community and are there to represent its views. Each Councillor represents the Parish, serving for four years. Councillors are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the community about local services provided by the Parish Council, like play areas, open spaces and allotments and agreeing budgets and the Parish Precept. Bursledon Parish Council is made up of twelve councillors and supported by six members of staff.