Published Wednesday, 11th May 2016

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is the only borough council to be shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Local Authority of the Year category in this year’s MJ Achievement Awards.

MJ Awards 2016 Finalist logoThe national awards recognise the best performing councils in the country. 

The Borough Council is up against some big players for the accolade: Leeds City Council, the London Borough of Southwark, Plymouth City Council, Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council and Wolverhampton City Council.

The nomination closely follows Reigate & Banstead’s recent recognition at the LGC Awards, in which the Council was shortlisted in the Entrepreneurial Council category. 

High performing council

John Jory, Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for Local Authority of the Year. This is one of the highest profile awards in the country for local councils, and we are one of only six to be shortlisted, and the only borough council.

"It sends a clear message to our residents, businesses, partners and staff that we are a high-performing council and one of the best in the country.

“As a council, we are focussed on improving the quality of life for our residents to improve their wellbeing and prosperity, on making the borough a great place to live and work and on providing high quality services in the face of ever-decreasing funding.

“A recent Local Government Association peer challenge concluded Reigate & Banstead is a leading Council, something we are all very proud of. This nomination reinforces that and is thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, councillors and partners.” 

This category highlights success not just in one local authority department or project but right across the organisation. Nominees must demonstrate strong performance across services, good financial management, a clear vision, innovation and excellent working relationships, as well as show how they are doing things differently that makes them a good example to other local authorities. 

The awards are judged by influential leaders from the private and public sectors. 

The winners will be announced on Thursday 16 June.