GILLINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL

The Town Hall, School Road, Gillingham. Dorset. SP8 4QR

Tel: 01747 823588  Email: GillinghamTC@aol.com

Web: www.gillinghamdorset-c.gov.uk

PRESS RELEASE

QUALITY STATUS

22/03/2010

 

Gillingham Town Council has achieved Quality Town Council Status.   At the Gillingham Full Council meeting held on the 22^nd March 2010, Mrs McDonaugh, the High Sheriff of Dorset, presented a certificate to the Mayor, Cllr. Rupert Evill, confirming Gillingham Town Council’s status as a Quality Town Council.  

Cllr. Rupert Evill said “I am proud and delighted to receive this award on behalf of the Town Council.  It underlines the commitment of our members and the professionalism of our staff to ensure the best possible and most cost effective services are provided to the residents of our town.  We will continue to work closely with other authorities and agencies.” 

The concept of Quality Parish Councils was introduced by the Government in the Rural White Paper in 2000 and was officially launched on July 1^st 2003.  Alun Michael MP, the Minister responsible fjor Local Government Issues, said of the Scheme that it provides “confirmation and assurance that those awarded with Quality Status are representative, competent, well managed, and able to take an enhanced role”

In order to meet the requirements of The Quality Parish Council Scheme, the Council passed a number of rigorous Quality Tests.  These included:

·         Electoral Mandate – at least 2/3^rd  councils are elected

·         Qualifications of the Clerk – CiLCA

·         Council meetings

·         Communications and Community Engagement

·         Annual Report

·         Accounts

·         Code of Conduct

·         Promoting local democracy and citizenship

·         Terms and conditions

·         Training