Denmead’s Parish Council currently consists of thirteen members including a Chairman and Vice-Chairman who meet at six-weekly intervals on a Wednesday at Ashling Pavilion. Except for occasional expenses parish councillors are unpaid. The four main committees also meet six weekly except the planning committee which meets every three weeks. Sub-committees and working parties supplement the work of the main council. In total there is an average of between 60 and 70 meetings each year. The parish council is usually the first point of reference for local matters from street lighting to new developments, though major decisions are made by the ‘district’ council which is the confusingly named Winchester City Council, or by Hampshire County Council.

Residents are welcome to attend at all deliberations of the council and committees (other than on those rare occasions when the public are excluded by special resolution) and can speak at the ‘public session’ during the meeting.

The village elects three members to Winchester City Council and in conjunction with neighbouring parishes, one member to Hampshire County Council.

The parish is a part of the Meon Valley parliamentary constituency.