The council allocates precept funds in order to carry out its duties and to support local events or organisations. Thirlwall Parish Council is responsible for the maintenance of the play park in Gilsland and for cutting grass, principally in Longbyre. The council comments on planning applications that affect people in the parish.
The council consults with local residents and parishioners on all planning applications in the parish before commenting back to Northumberland County Council Planning Department.
One of the councillors represents the parish on Haltwhistle and District Burial Board which is responsible for maintaining the cemeteries at Greenhead and in Haltwhistle.
One councillor is a parish representative on the committee of the 'Campaign to Open Gilsland Station'.
Cllr. Sharp attends most Parish Council meetings and provides direct communication with the various departments of the County Council.
Thirlwall Parish Council owns the land at Longbyre comprising the village green and surrounding verges at the entrance to Longbyre from Greenhead. This land and surrounding verges continue round to the entrance to the village of Longbyre from Gilsland. This is all owned by the Parish Council.
Thirlwall Parish Council owns the land on which the playground is situated in Gilsland.
Thirlwall Parish Council owns the Pumphouse in Gilsland.
