According to David Langford of Community Action (formerly IW Rural Community Council), the Isle of Wight has 
the highest percentage of Quality Status councils than any other county in England.
“Local Councils are vital to re-invigorating local democracy. The Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme has played an important role in improving the quality of management and administration of parish and town councils. The Government welcomes the revision of the Scheme and encourages local councils to consider seeking accreditation.” Department for Communities and Local Government.
What is Quality Status?
Back in 2003, the Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme was launched with the aim of providing a benchmark of minimum standards for parish and town councils
David told On The Wight, “We have 15 quality councils on the Island which equates to 45.4% of all our councils. Sadly Brading and Rookley did not reaccredit this year otherwise it would have been 51%.
“Nationally, there are 703 out of 8,500 which equates to 8.27%. We have been singled out for praise for our high rate of Quality Councils – the highest of any county in England.”
Government withdraw funding
He went on to say, “However the promised extra funding for qualification has not materialised which is sad. Even if the Government gave say £5k for qualification it would justify all the hard work in getting there and encourage more to try.”
Ventnor the latest
Parish and town councils have to pass several tests to show that they have reached the required standard and at Monday night’s Ventnor Town council, having made the grade, they were awarded a certificate of Quality Status for a second time by David Langford.
Well done to all involved.
