Wiltshire Council shortlisted for Local Authority of the Year in prestigious national awards

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 01:00

Wiltshire Council has been named among the top local authorities in the country at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

The council was one of the shortlisted local authorities in the category of Local Authority of the Year at the MJ Achievement Awards 2023, which were held in London on 23 June, and the only large rural authority in the running. Barnsley Council was named as the eventual winner.

The ceremony is an annual event to celebrate success and recognise excellence in local government.

Wiltshire Council’s award entry submission referred to some of its recent achievements, including being one of the leading authorities in England for supporting Ukrainian refugees; innovating to reduce homelessness; adult education and children’s services rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted; creating teams to support people to thrive at home, reducing hospital admissions and delays in discharge; and area boards supporting projects valued at more than £8m.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We were really pleased to be shortlisted for this significant award among some other top-class local authorities. Congratulations to the winners.

“There’s never been a more challenging time in local government but these awards provide a platform to showcase the breadth of important work being done for communities up and down the country.

“The nomination is a testament to all the hard work put in by everyone associated with Wiltshire Council day in and day out – all in service of our communities.

“Being recognised for awards like this can only help us as we look to achieve everything we’ve set out in our Business Plan. It demonstrates that that our clear long-term vision provides a strong foundation and opportunities for us to do what other councils may not be able to.”

In addition to being shortlisted for the MJ Achievement Award, the recent Local Government Association’s Corporate Peer Challenge report stated that “Wiltshire Council is clearly, and proudly, a values-led organisation with senior members and officers committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for residents.”