Pettistree Parish Council is a statutory elected body of Local Government. It is answerable to electors and is empowered to levy a portion of Council Tax to fund its activities. The Parish Council acts on behalf of the community and is responsible for the custody of footpaths, bridleways and open spaces such as the Village Green. It also acts as the "local voice" in, for example, lobbying Suffolk County Council on highways, making representation to the district council about property development and planning applications and speaking for the village in local government consultations.

At the Annual Parish Meeting, which is held in April or early June, local electors can discuss any issues that they may wish the Parish Council to focus upon in the forthcoming year.

Members of the council are elected by eligible residents (electors) of the village at 4 yearly intervals since 1971. The next election will be held in May 2027. 

Pettistree Parish Council was formed in 1970 at the instigation of Mr W Frith, one of the parishioners. He then acted as Parish Clerk for many years. At that time there were five members. In 1988 the membership was increased to seven and has remained so ever since.