Beacon Status

The Beacon Scheme is managed by the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA).  They aim to identify excellence and innovation, and help to share good practice across local government.

Each year, IDeA offer opportunities for local authorities to apply to show how they have excelled in different areas.  In 2006 the Beacon Scheme offered Electoral Services as a theme for Councils to offer examples of achievements and best practice.

Harriet Harman, the Minister of State for Constitutional Affairs said:

"The efficiency and effectiveness of electoral services is fundamental to a healthy democracy.  Many of our electoral practices and procedures have been rooted in history and tradition.  In recent years we have seen a number of changes designed to modernise the services provided, increase registration, make voting more convenient and encourage participation by all sections of the community, while at the same time ensuring that confidence in the integrity of the electoral process is maintained.

I am delighted that Electoral Services has been selected as one of the themes for Round 8 of the Beacon Scheme as this fits in very well with our own plans to improve service provision through legislation and performance measures and we are sure that the scheme will support service improvements by allowing providers to follow the example of excellent service providers." 

Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council was granted Beacon Status on 20th March 2006 for delivering Electoral Services.  Only two other councils received the award, namely Swindon and Hammersmith and Fulham.