Quality Status

The Quality Parish and Town Council scheme was launched in June 2003, following the publication of the Government's Rural White Paper. The scheme is designed to provide benchmark minimum standards for Parish and Town councils to 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 including;

• Electoral mandate
• A qualified clerk
• Council meetings
• Communications
• Annual report
• Accounts
• Code of conduct
  

The tests exceed the statutory duties of Parish and Town councils and represent the standards that an efficient, well run Parish Council should achieve. The Quality Scheme is currently under review, and we are awaiting the Government's proposals on its future development.

RMBC is committed to supporting Parish and Town Councils reaching Quality Status through support sessions facilitated by the Yorkshire Local Councils Association. Rotherham currently has three Quality Parish Councils:-

• Anston Parish Council
• Aston cum Aughton  
• Whiston Parish Council

  Please click here to find out more about Quality Status (263kb)