Quality Status Report

The results of the University of Wales research study into the Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme have been published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Defra commissioned the study in 2006 to look at all aspects of the Scheme including the accreditation process, the appropriateness of the criteria, and promotion of the Scheme. The study used a range of research methods, including a postal questionnaire survey of Quality and non-accredited councils; interviews with delivery agents; interviews with national stakeholders; written submissions from local councils; case studies; and a review of previous research on the local council sector.

Key findings of the report were that:

• Although only around 4% of parish and town councils had achieved Quality Status, Quality councils now represent 17% of the population of parished areas
• Most frequently, councils apply for Quality Status in order to increase their standards and raise their profile in the local community
• Two thirds of Quality councils report they have benefited from the Scheme
• The broad consensus is that the current criteria are appropriate
• The most significant barrier to non-accredited councils reaching Quality Status is the requirement for a qualified clerk
• Clearer guidance for accreditation panels would aid consistency.

The full report provides a detailed breakdown of the study's results.

Alternatively, download a copy of the report summary, or a copy of the executive summary.

To find out more about the scheme and to download the Quality Status Toolkit, please click here.