Great Salkeld Parish Council was formed in 1894 with the passing of the Local Government Act, Representing the residents of Great Salkeld village, North and South Dykes, the Parish Council provides a play area in the village, public seating and noticeboards, as well as stewarding local open access land. The Parish Council represents the interests of local resident with regards to issues such as planning and highways, and also provides small grants for local groups and events.
The Council consists of eight Parish Councillors, and holds Ordinary Meetings ten times a year, on the first Monday of February, March, April, May, June, July, September, October, November and December. The Annual Parish Council Meeting takes place in May. All meeting are held at Great Salkeld Village Hall, and are open to members of the press and public.
The current Chair of the Parish Council is Councillor Beverley Pink, and the current Vice-Chair is Councillor Tim Holliday.
The Parish Council is funded through a Council Tax levy. A band D property in Great Salkeld Parish currently pays £45.55 per year for the running of the Parish Council.
The Parish is currently represented by Councillor Hillary Carrick at Westmorland and Furness Council.