Council wins prestigious Gold Quality Award

Published: 10 October 2024

Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council Receives Prestigious Quality Gold Award in National Scheme

Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council has been awarded the prestigious Quality Gold Award under the Local Council Award Scheme. This achievement recognises the council's exemplary standards in governance, community engagement, and ongoing improvement. It reflects the council's commitment to exceeding its legal obligations, actively leading the community, and continuously seeking opportunities for growth and development.

The Award Scheme report highlighted several of the council's strengths, including strong governance, effective community engagement through communication and regular events, and innovative projects such as the Community Fridge and Community Garden, which make a tangible difference in residents' lives.

The Local Council Award Scheme is a peer-reviewed program designed to provide tools and encouragement to councils at the start of their improvement journey while promoting and recognising those that set the standard for excellence in the sector. By working collaboratively to share best practices and raise standards, councils like Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council are helping the sector reach its full potential.

Councillor Wiffen, Chairman of the council, expressed his delight at the recognition. The Parish Clerk added, "The Quality Gold Award is a prestigious acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication of our council members and staff. It demonstrates our commitment to making the community stronger, more resilient, and a better place to live."

Looking ahead, the council is reviewing ways to continue improving its services to the local community and welcomes input from residents and partners. Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council, along with others like it, is at the forefront of the government’s localism agenda, striving to deliver essential services efficiently and cost-effectively.

Currently, the council offers a wide range of services, including the maintenance of local play areas such as Cuckoo and Great Chart Play Parks, both equipped with outdoor gyms, and upkeep of local amenities like The Viewing Point and the War Memorial in Great Chart. The council also hosts community-building events, such as the Colour Run, The Big Lunch, and various craft and BBQ events, while supporting residents through initiatives like the Community Fridge and Pop-Up Café. These efforts are part of the council’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community engagement and cohesion.