The Quality Parish and Town Council scheme was launched in June 2003, following the publication of the Government’s Rural White Paper, 2000 (.pdf). The scheme was designed to provide benchmark minimum standards for parish and town councils and enable them to better represent the communities they serve. The scheme also aims to enhance relationships between local councils, principal authorities and community and voluntary sector organisations.
In order to achieve Quality status, parish and town councils must demonstrate that they have reached the standard required by passing several tests.
There are currently 12 Quality Councils in Wiltshire. They are Melksham Without Parish Council, Calne Town Council, Corsham Town Council, Bradford on Avon Town Council, Devizes Town Council, Durrington Parish Council, Erlestoke Parish Council, East Knoyle Parish Council, Marlborough Town Council, Cheverell Magna Parish Council, Trowbridge Town Council and Urchfont Parish Council. With more clerks undertaking the Certificate in Council Administration this number looks set to rise.
The Quality Council Scheme has recently been revised and amended and the criteria enhanced. At present there is no downloadable application form available but you can download the revised book - A Guide to becoming a Quality Council by folowing this link or you can contact the WALC office for hard copies. More information on the revised criteria can be found by visiting the Quality Status pages of the National Association of Local Councils' website.
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