What is a 'Quality' Parish or Town Council?
QUALITY TOWN AND PARISH COUNCILS
The 2000 Rural White Paper contained a series of measures on which to base the development of parish and town councils.The first is that of Quality Town and Parish Councils, an opportunity open to any parish or town council whatever its size or role. A 'Quality' parish or town council can take on a stronger role, including the provision of services, either those currently performed by another body, or in an entirely new area. Quality parishes are central to any local consultation exercises and contributing to discussions on housing, transport, health and other local plans. Partnerships with other local authorities, voluntary and business organisation are a key feature of quality parishes as are the provision of ICT and other access points for its community. Parish or town councils wishing to take on this stronger role must meet a 'quality test'.
The Quality Test.It is important that any authority wishing to take on an enhanced role should prove itself to be capable and accountable. It is, however, equally important that the tests for establishing that capability and accountability are accessible to all. This is the challenge that Government has set itself in devising the 'quality test'.
The test includes:
- Electoral Mandate.
The first hurdle for an aspirant quality parish is to demonstrate that it has an electoral mandate. This basically means that councillors are elected, not co-opted. - Minimum of Number of Meetings Per Year.
A quality parish council must hold a minimum number of six meetings a year, including its Annual Meeting. This requirement is an essential factor in demonstrating that the council is active and in ensuring public engagement and interest. - Trained Parish or Town Clerk.
The third test for an aspirant local council is that it has a trained parish or town clerk. The basic qualification is the AQA Certificate in Local Council Administration. - Publication of an Annual Report.
A quality parish council will have to produce an annual report describing its activities, as well as newsletters or similar sources of information. It should also produce an annual report of its activities. This is seen as essential to ensure that the public feel engaged and confident in the execution of local democracy. - Unqualified Audited Accounts.
A quality parish council would also have to have up-to-date, unqualified and properly audited accounts, which are available for public scrutiny.
Allowances.
Further recognition of local councils became law on 1st of January 2004, with parish & town councillors becoming eligible for allowances for the work that they do for the local community, in addition to any expenses incurred.