Parish Councils were established in 1894 when civic duties were separated from the Parochial Church Councils.  

Brockenhurst is one of thirty-seven Parish and Town Councils within the area covered by New Forest District Council (NFDC) and is situated wholly within the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA).  It has a population of around 3,400 including Wootton.  

Councillors are elected every four years (usually coinciding with District Council elections): ten for the Brockenhurst ward and one to represent Wootton ward.  The next election takes place in May 2027. 

The Parish Council makes decisions through its regular meetings with the elected Parish Councillors, all of whom are volunteers and give their time freely as community leaders to represent the views and aspirations of local people, with a view to making a real difference to the community.

The Council employs a part-time Parish Clerk who is responsible for supporting the Council in carrying out its functions and implementing its decisions.  A part -time Financial Officer is employed to deal with financial matters and a part-time groundsman to maintain the Sway Road War Memorial and the Parish Council section of St Nicholas churchyard. The Council's accounts are published annually and are subject to scrutiny by an internal and external auditor.  

The Council works closely with New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council (particularly the Highways Department), New Forest National Park Authority and Forestry England.

Brockenhurst Parish Council has responsibility for amenities including the allotments at Black Knowl, the playground at the Village Hall, the Cemetery at St Nicholas' Church, the bus shelter at Waters Green and the many benches scattered around the Parish.