Quality Council Scheme
The Parish and Town Council scheme was launched in June 2003, following the
publication of the governments Rural White Paper 2000.
The scheme was designed to provide a benchmark minimum standards for parish and town councils
and enable them to better represent the communities they serve. The scheme also aims to give
enhance relationships between local councils, principal authorities and community and voluntary
section organisations.
In order to achieve Quality status, parish and town councils must demonstrate that
they have reached the standard required by passing several tests. These tests as
summarised below:
The Benefits of Quality Status
Quality parish and town councils are not only in a position to show their local
communities that they are performing above national minimum standards but they are
in a better position to influence the design making process and/or take on additional
services and areas of responsibility, from their principal local authorities.
Who Benefits?
The benefits of this scheme affect three groups:
Community Benefits:
Local people will know that the council will be well led and is
accountable, visible and representative.
More responsive services - the Quality council will be capable of solving
local problems with greater authority and have real ownership and control
over services and decisions that effects local lives.
Real contact and discussions with their Quality council.
A local access point providing information on services.
Benefits to the parish or town council itself:
Greater credibility in the eyes of the local community, voluntary and
private sectors and principal local authorities.
Greater civic pride.
More representative of the local community.
Better ability to articulate the needs and wishes of the local community.
It will achieve more by working in partnership with other organisations.
Able to demonstrate that it is effectively and properly managed which will
install greater confidence in the community.
Delivery of more local services - if the council wishes to.
Greater involvement by the voluntary and community sector and principal
local authorities, eg developing parish plans, market town health checks
etc.
A better informed community.
A well trained clerk, through the Certificate in Local Council
Administration - or University of Gloucestershire qualification in Local
Policy.
Possible more powers and funding in the future.
Principal Authority Benefits
Reassurance that the Quality council has been independently assessed and
is therefore capable of working with the principal authority and can
deliver services on their behalf or in partnership.
Reliable evidence of the competence of the Quality council, through the
four year re-assessment process.
Proof that the Quality council is willing and able to be fully involved
in local issues - this will be particularly valuable when implementing new
initiatives.
Stronger partnership working, with the town or parish council bringing
their local perspective and experience to the table. Quality councils
should be more innovative and pro-active, and will want to share their
ideas and experiences.
Increased confidence that the quality council is representative,
competent, well managed and therefore capable of taking on and sustaining
an enhanced role.