SUMMARY
1. This consultation paper follows up the commitment made in the Rural White Paper to consult on how a QUALITY parish or town council might work. It sets out our detailed proposals for putting the "QUALITY" concept into practice following formal discussions with the Local Government Association, National Association of Local Councils and the Countryside Agency.
2. QUALITY parish and town councils (or local councils) will work closely in partnership with their principal authorities and, through their enhanced role, give their communities a better deal on local services and a stronger voice in the decisions that affect people's lives.
3. The consultation paper sets out proposals for:
- a model charter covering relations between all parish and town councils and their principal authorities setting out how principal authorities and local councils will work in partnership;
- the additional benefits that a local council can expect from achieving QUALITY status (bigger role in delivery of services, access and information point and integral part of consultation arrangements);
- guidance to principal authorities and local councils setting out how the QUALITY system will work, including the model charter and guidance to principal authorities for their financial arrangements with parish and town councils, supported by further advice that Best Value Performance Plans should include a summary of the charter;
- a series of tests that town and parish councils should pass to achieve QUALITY status;
- self assessment validated by the external auditor.
4. The consultation paper concerns England only. It is aimed particularly at parish and town councils, their principal authorities and other partners at all levels in England. But we also welcome comments from any organisations or individuals with an interest in the work of parish and town councils.
5. The questions on which we are seeking views are on the next page.
Page last modified:
19 May, 2005
Page published: 7 November 2001