Parish councils are statutory bodies. Members are elected for a term of four years (but there are sometimes one or two who are co-opted to fill casual vacancies) and councils are funded principally by an annual precept.

Income and expenditure for the next financial year are calculated in the form of estimates. The net amount (the precept) is added to council tax, collected by the (South Cambridgeshire) District Council (principal authority) and paid to parishes in two six-monthly instalments.

Parishes can apply for other funding such as grant and funding awards, but they do not receive funds direct from central government, as principal authorities do.

Harston Parish Council is a Burial Authority responsible for the Cemetery at Button End.  Burial Fees  For further information please contact the Clerk to the Council, Diane Bayliss, 01353 664632. clerk@harstonparishcouncil.org.uk