Town and parish councils

The Local Council Award Scheme has been designed to celebrate the successes of the very best local councils, and to provide a framework to support all local councils to improve and develop to meet their full potential. The scheme offers councils the opportunity to show that they meet the standards set by the sector, assessed by their peers, and to put in place the conditions for continued improvement.

The Scheme provides both the tools and encouragement to those councils at the beginning of their improvement journeys, as well as promoting and recognising councils that are at the cutting edge of the sector. It is only through the sector working together, to share best practice, drive up standards and supporting those who are committed to improving their offer to their communities that individual councils and the sector will reach its full potential.

The scheme has been refreshed and relaunched in October 2024. Councils can apply for an award at one of three levels:-

• BRONZE AWARD - which demonstrates a council meets the requirements for operating lawfully and according to standard practice
• SILVER AWARD - which demonstrates that a council achieves good practice in governance, community engagement and council improvement
• GOLD AWARD - which demonstrates that a council is at the forefront of best practice and achieves excellence in governance, community leadership and council development

For more information on the Award Scheme visit the: National Association of Local Councils website.

There are currently 8 councils in Cheshire West and Chester which have been awarded under the Local Council Award Scheme, they are:

Foundation Tier (BRONZE)

• Clotton Hoofield
• Date Awarded: September 2024
• Valid Until: September 2028 

• Duddon and Burton
• Date Awarded: August 2024
• Valid Until: August 2028

• Dunham on the Hill & Hapsford
• Date Awarded: May 2024
• Valid Until: May 2028

• Frodsham
• Date awarded: September 2023
• Valid until: September 2027

• Hargrave and Huxley
• Date Awarded: September 2024
• Valid Until: September 2028

• Neston
• Date awarded: March 2023
• Valid until: March 2027

• Willington (re-accreditation)
• Date awarded: December 2022
• Valid until: December 2026

Quality Tier (SILVER)

• Ashton Hayes and Horton cum Peel
• Date Awarded: April 2024
• Valid until: April 2028

Quality Gold Tier (GOLD)

Training Bursary

To help local councils improve their services the Cheshire Branch of the SLCC (Society of Local Council Clerks) offers a training bursary. This enables its members to access training opportunities they may not otherwise have access to. For more information or to complete an application visit the SLCC website.

Cheshire Association of Local Councils (ChALC)

Officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council are encouraged to regularly liaise with and involve officers at the Cheshire Association of Local Councils. This is a member-based organisation representing the interests of local councils and providing information and advice to those members. The Council and ChALC work together to promote high standards of ethical behaviour across the borough.

Contact

• Jackie Weaver, Chief Officer, ChALC, Park View Business Centre, Combermere, Whitchurch, Shropshire
• Cheshire Association of Local Councils website
• Telephone: 01948 871314