MarthamQuality Parish Status
The Parish Council is well on its way to achieving this nationally recognised goal.
The Quality Parish and Town Council scheme was launched in June 2003, following the publication of the Government's Rural White Paper 2000. The scheme is 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 including;
- Electoral mandate
- Qualifications of the 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.