Aside from the obvious governmental control exercised by Westminster in London, Dunsford parish, as a geographical and political area, falls within two political boundaries:                                                                                       The County of Devon controlled by Devon County Council with its headquarters located in the City of Exeter and, within Devon,                       the District of Teignbridge controlled by Teignbridge District Council with its headquarters located in the town of Newton Abbot. Teignbridge is one of four district councils within Devon. 

Part, but not all, of Dunsford falls within the area known as               Dartmoor National Park controlled by the Dartmoor National Park Authority with its headquarters located in the town of Bovey Tracy.                    Dunsford is, itself, a political area ie. a Parish and has its own Parish Council.  The council is elected by those Dunsford residents who are shown on the current  Dunsford Electoral Roll.

Generally speaking, Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council have different responsibilities within Teignbridge whereas the Dartmoor National Park Authority duplicate, if not override, some functions when the area in question falls within or could effect Dartmoor.  Dunsford Parish Council is in continuous contact with all three authorities ensuring that the interest of local parishioners is brought to the attention of the other authorities and to advise on planning applications etc. and to inform the relevant authority the local condition of roads, drainage/flooding, street lighting etc.

Devon County Council is primarily responsible for :                                       Schools,  Libraries,  Adult Education, Roads, Street Lighting, Residential Care & Nursing Care for Adults, Support for Carers and People with Disabilities,  Foster Care & Consumer Protection  Services.                             Teignbridge District Council is primarily responsible for Housing, Refuse Collection, Electoral Registration, Council Tax, Car Parks, Leisure Services, Environmental Health, Cemeteries, Leisure, Tourism  and Local Planning.                                                                                                  Dartmoor National Park Authority is primarily responsible for the well being of Dartmoor,  to maintain its unique heritage and to limit or prevent development that would adversely effect flora, fauna, its rivers and its environment.