Halesworth Town Council was formed in 1974 as a result of the 1972 Local Government Act which led to the creation of District Councils and the abolition of Urban and Rural District Councils. The first District elections took place in 1973 and in 1974, following a one year interim period, Waveney District Council, as successor authority to Halesworth Urban District Council, took over all its main functions and responsibilities. Dr. W. Pagan was the first Chairman of HTC and Jack Church the first Clerk.

The Town Council is the elected local authority and as the first tier of local government, closest to the people. Elections are held every four years to elect the 12 Town Councillors. The Chairman and Vice Chair are elected by fellow councillors and usually serve for two years in office.

The role of the council is to articulate the needs of the community to the press, principal authorities and other organisations; liaise with other local authorities to develop mutual interests, projects and activities and work in partnership with principal authorities and other organisations.

Please contact the Clerk in office hours or one of your councillors out of office hours with any town related concerns or issues and we will do our best to attend to the matter.