§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how public participation is implemented in the Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme; and if he will make a statement on how the scheme is progressing. [161192]
§ Mr. RaynsfordDecisions to award Quality parish status are taken by county accreditation panels established through the National Association of Local Councils and approved by Government. To gain Quality status a parish or town council must demonstrate that they effectively communicate and actively engage with the electorate they represent, including having a majority of their seats filled through election.
There has been considerable interest in the scheme since its launch last year, and so far 36 councils have been granted Quality status.