The Cliffe and Cliffe Woods Parish Council has existed for over 100 years. There is often confusion with the Church’s Parochial Parish Council, but we are a legally recognised level of local government. Eight local residents represent Cliffe Woods and eight Cliffe. The council meets each month, alternately, in Cliffe and Cliffe Woods. There is a small number of sub-committees that also meet to investigate and discuss specific issues in more detail before making recommendations to the Parish Council. A joint clerks manage the parish on a day to day basis and a caretaker looks after the recreation ground and helps keep the Buttway and Cliffe Woods Car Park clear of litter.

The Parish is funded through the local council tax. Residents pay an extra amount on top of the Medway Council, Police and Fire Services charges. This raises about £17,000 per year (£28,000 - 2009/2010, £34,390 - 2010/2011, £40,492), about 16p per household, per week (23p 2009/2010, 33p 2010/2011, 35p 2011/2012). We also raise funds from other sources for large schemes such as the Cliffe Ball Court and Play Area receive a Rural Liaison Grant from Medway Council to spend on other improvements. 

Our allotments have gone through a major upgrade in recent years and there is a waiting list for plots - contact the clerk for more details.

We are consulted on planning applications in our parish and local, regional or national issues affecting our area.  We also take an active part in liaison with Medway Council, the police and the longer term strategic plans for our area.

We also help fund Youth Clubs in both Cliffe and Cliffe Woods when there are adults to hep run them. Regular funds are also available to support neighbourhood watch schemes in the Parish. A large grant and a loan was available towards the funding of the Cliffe Carnival and we ensure the grass cutting in the churchyard of St. Helen’s Church, Cliffe is done. We also help fund our village halls in Cliffe and Cliffe Woods directly (£5,000 each)

All members have to stand for election every four years, if there are more nominations than positions, polling takes place on the same day as the Medway Council elections. Any vacancies can be filled by a by-election, if sufficient local electors request it, but more commonly additional members are selected by the parish council.  There is one vacancy currently. Why not be an even more active member of the community and join us.

The next elections are on the 7th May 2015 when all councillors are up for election for the 2015-2019 four year period.