Durham County Council has been honoured in a prestigious national awards competition.
The council, which was established just three years ago, was highly commended in the Council of the Year category at the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2012.
The unitary authority was also named joint winner in the Management Team of the Year category, for Neighbourhood Services, and was highly commended in the Low Carbon Council category, for work on carbon management and energy efficiency.
Members of Durham County Council were told of the achievements – which also included being shortlisted in seven categories, the most of any council in this year’s awards – at a meeting of the full council yesterday (March 22).
Judges for the awards noted that Durham County Council had made “an impressive start as a unitary” and added: “Their focus on growth, engagement and on safeguarding services while making savings is really paying off.”
They commented that they were particularly impressed by a number of the council’s key achievements, including:
■ the strong foundations the council has laid down and its clear plans for the future;
■ the strong engagement with communities; and
■ the way the council is delivering on its vision for a new economic future.
Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “It is a major achievement to be named runner-up in the Council of the Year category, particularly as this is only our third year as a unitary council.
“The LGC awards are the most important awards in local government and I am delighted that our achievements have received such a high profile recognition.
“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and members who work hard to provide outstanding services to the people of County Durham.”