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Quality Status & Power of Wellbeing

 

Quality Town & Parish Councils

Parish & Town Councils are the democratic bodies with the closest direct links to their communities.

 

 

 

 

 

For a parish council to attain Quality Status, it has to demonstrate that it:

• Is representative of, and actively engages with all parts of its community.
• Is effectively and properly managed.
• Has the ability to take on the enhanced role and responsibility that Quality Status brings.
• Articulates the needs and wishes of its community.
• Works in partnership with principle local authorities and other service agencies.
• Works closely with voluntary groups in its community.
• Provides leadership and help to the community starting a Parish Plan.
• Acts as an information point for local services.
• Upholds high standards of conduct

 

 

It must pass a series of tests to be awarded Quality Status. These being:

1. An Electoral Mandate.
2. Qualification of the Clerk. (Certificate in Local Council Administration)
3. Council Meetings.
4. Communications.
5. Annual Reports.
6. Accounts.
7. Ethical Framework.

 

As the tier of government that is closest to local communities it should have a role in improving local quality of life, and should equip parish councils to take on a stronger role in their community.
It is part of the Governments drive to modernise local government and ensure that all local authorities are more in touch with the people they serve.

 

The Power of Wellbeing

 

Even before we became a Quality Parish Council we had made a great deal of progress in improving services and the quality of life for the residents of Cropwell Bishop.
At the same time the expectations of residents has risen and as the first tier in local government with limited powers we need to use all means at our disposal.
The Local Government Act of 2007 saw the Power of Well being extended to Town & Parish Councils.
This gives those councils a general power to spend money on any activity which adds to the wellbeing of its community.
The act is intended to promote economic, social, or environmental well-being and to encompass the cultural well-being and the promotion of residents and visitors.
The Parish Council believes that this is another step towards the devolution of services and a greater representation of rights of the local community.