STAFFORDSHIRE PARISH COUNCILS’ ASSOCIATION

THE FIRST ‘QUALITY’ PARISH AND TOWN COUNCILS IN STAFFORDSHIRE

Staffordshire’s County Accreditation Panel is delighted to announce that it has awarded Quality Parish Status to four councils – the first in the county! They are Lichfield City Council, Brewood and Coven Parish Council, Colwich Parish Council, and Eccleshall Parish Council.

Mary Booth, Secretary of the Panel, said: ‘The Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme was launched in March 2003, and there are now 104 councils with Quality Status, including our four. As there are about 10,000 parish councils throughout the country, this is a big achievement, and recognition of our high standards locally.’

In order to acquire Quality status, councils must demonstrate that they are representative, in touch with their communities, competent, and capable of taking on an enhanced role. Introduction of this new assurance mark is a sign that the Government, through the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), Defra and the Countryside Agency, is committed to the parish sector – the first tier of government.

Brewood and Coven Parish Council said they are very proud and honoured to be awarded Quality Status. ‘The Council has always strived to provide a good service to the communities it serves and to receive recognition of its endeavours by being granted such an award is most gratifying. The Council now looks forward to reaping the privileges and benefits that Quality Status will bring, and is currently planning to submit its application for a grant from the £300,000 fund set aside for delivery and investment in the provision of local services by Quality Councils.’