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

 

Harpenden Town Council achieved Quality Council Status

Number of Quality Councils in Hertfordshire = 12

Aldenham Parish Council

Ashwell Parish Council

Berkhamsted Town Council

Buntingford Town Council

Eastwick and Gilston Parish Council

Harpenden Town Council

Hatfield Town Council

Hertford Town Council

Ickleford Parish Council

Letchworth Garden City Council

Royston Town Council

St Stephen Parish Council

Future Panel Meeting Dates:

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

Please read our guidance notes to help you: QPS Application Guidance Notes January 2012

Further details and guidance of the Test Criteria can be found downloaded from NALC or call the HAPTC office and we'll post a copy to you:   http://www.nalc.gov.uk/Toolkits/Quality_Status.aspx

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