In 1977, Houghton Regis Parish Council found a permanent home when it moved into the former doctor’s surgery premises on Peel Street. Before this milestone, the Council had no dedicated building of its own, and meetings were held in various local schools and community halls around the town.

A few years earlier, in 1974, all Parish Councils across the country were given the opportunity to apply for Town Council status. Houghton Regis embraced this opportunity, and in January 1980, it officially achieved Town status—marking the beginning of a new chapter in the town’s local governance. That same year, Councillor John Kinchella was proudly appointed as the first Town Mayor, setting the precedent for future civic leadership.

Today, Houghton Regis Town Council is made up of 14 dedicated councillors who serve the community voluntarily, supported by a team of professional council officers responsible for delivering and managing the council’s functions.

The Town Council operates within a two-tier system of local government, working alongside Central Bedfordshire Council, which serves as the Unitary Authority for the area. Together, they ensure that the needs of Houghton Regis residents are met through effective local governance and community representation.