Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme

The Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme was launched in June 2003, following the publication of the governments Rural White Paper, 2000.  Achieving quality parish status demonstrates that a council has met certain minimum standards expected from an effective, representative and active parish or town council. The scheme also aims to give enhance relationships between local councils, principal authorities and community and voluntary sector organisations. The scheme is voluntary and is open to all parish and town councils in England.

As of 27 June 2008 the Scheme is changing to better reflect the increased professionalism of councils. There are now three new tests and also a number of amendments to some of the existing tests as summarised below:

• Electoral Mandate
• Qualifications of the clerk
• Council meetings
• Communication and Community Engagement
• Annual Report
• Accounts
• Code of Conduct
• Promoting local democracy and citizenship
• Terms and conditions
• Training

      "Local Councils are vital to re-invigorating local democracy. The Quality Parish  and Town Council Scheme has played an             important role in improving the quality of management and administration of parish and town councils. the Government 
welcomes the revision of the Scheme and encourages local councils to consider seeking accrediation."

Hazel Blears, Secretary of State, Communities and Local Government. 

Harpenden Town Council achieved Quality Council Status

Number of Quality Councils in Hertfordshire = 11 (as of October 2009)

Aldenham Parish Council

Ashwell Parish Council

Berkhamsted Town Council

Buntingford Town Council

Harpenden Town Council

Hertford Town Council

Ickleford Parish Council

Letchworth Garden City Council

Redbourn Parish Council

Royston Town Council

St Stephen Parish Council

Future Panel Meeting Dates:

Thursday 24th June 2010, portfolios to be in by Friday 14th May 2010

Thursday 28th October 2010, portfolios to be in by Friday 17th September 2010

Please contact the HAPTC office if you will be submitting an application

Further details and guidance of the Test Criteria can be found downloaded from NALC:   http://www.nalc.gov.uk/Toolkits/Quality_Status.aspx

For more information please contact our County Officer on: countyofficer@herts-aptc.gov.uk