What is a parish (or 'local') council?

Question:
What is a parish (or 'local') council?
Answer:

Parish councils are the most local tier of local government in much of the UK. Parish councils may resolve to call themselves ‘town’ or ‘neighbourhood’, ‘community’, or ‘village’ councils. Different areas choose to use different names but legally they are the same and have the same powers and duties. Collectively, they are often referred to as ‘local councils’.