Parish Councils were established as the first tier of local government in 1894 to take over local oversight of civic duties in rural towns and villages. Kidlington Parish Council discharges its duties and powers within the law and according to its governance policies. These policies are reviewed regularly.

The rules governing the behaviour of Parish Councillors are set out in the Code of Conduct produced by Cherwell District Council and adopted by the Parish Council. Parish Councillors work to rules on how business is conducted, as set out in the Standing Orders and the Financial Regulations.