Best Value

In 1999 the Government placed a new duty of "Best Value" on all County, District and Unitary Councils as well as 41 of the largest Town and Parish Councils in England. Hatfield Town Council was one of those Councils.  In 2008 that obligfation was removed for all Town and Parish Councils.  We continue to operate in the spirit of Best Value but now identify own own performance criteria.

What is Best Value?

Council demonstrates continuous improvement in the way in which it exercises its functions, looking at a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
We look closely at each of our services to see:

• What services we should provide
• How they should be delivered
• Where we can improve them
• How we compare with other councils
• How we can provide better value for money
• A brief description of the Council

The Town Council Serves the people of Hatfield which has a population of approximately 30,800. There are 15 elected Councillors who each serve for a term of 4 years, the next elections being in May 2011 and employs 26 full-time equivalent staff.

The Council's main purpose and objectives

The Council considers its unique purpose to be to offer a range of very local services that meet the need of our communities, many of which would not otherwise be provided.

More specifically we will offer our residents.

•  A main sports and leisure centre offering a wide range of indoor and outdoor sporting options, as well as a holiday playscheme, all at competitive prices meeting local needs.

•  Other venues, situated within the heart of our communities, two of which are highly valued village based centres, providing local people and local groups with a choice of easily accessible activities, including outdoor and indoor sports, playgroups, play areas, and hosting a variety of local clubs requiring meeting and other social event space.

•  Well maintained and well occupied allotment spaces.

•  Well maintained community parks and open spaces.

In addition to these specific services, we seek to promote the broader interests of the community. The Council will achieve these objectives by

•  Consulting the community generally and service users specifically on services provided, and by demonstrably responding to findings.

•  Engaging the Community on the big issues facing Hatfield and playing a key advocacy role on their behalf.

•  Working in partnership with a wide range of local organisations to ensure an improving standard of services to meet the needs of residents and others. Our relationship with the University of Hertfordshire , and other public bodies are critical to that success.

Town Council Services

The Council provides a wide range of Leisure and Community Services throughout Hatfield.
A summary of the costs have been sent out with the Council Tax bills.

If you would like to help us further with your views and comments please let us know.

Hatfield Town Council, Freepost ANG9379, Hatfield, AL10 0BR

Telephone: 01707 262023 Email: enquiries@hatfield-herts.gov.uk