Services
News release
West Lothian Council crowned UK Council of the Year
West Lothian Council has been crowned Britain’s best local authority at a prestigious awards ceremony in London.
West Lothian won the top category of Council of the Year at the annual Local Government Chronicle Awards last night. West Lothian Council is the only council in Scotland that has ever won the accolade since the awards were established.The LGC Awards aim to highlight and celebrate excellent work in local government. This year the competition received a record number of entries from local authorities.
By winning this highly sought title the council has demonstrated a level of excellence that takes its work well beyond basic service provision. West Lothian Council fought-off competition from five other nominees: Telford and Wrekin Council, Canterbury City Council, Gateshead Council, Shropshire County Council and St Helens Council.
Competition judges visited West Lothian on Friday 10 February to examine the council?s entry and meet with relevant staff and service users. This marked the council?s nomination in the top Council of the Year category for the second consecutive year.
Provost Joe Thomas, Council Leader Graeme Morrice, and Chief Executive Alex Linkston, received the award at a special ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. More than 1,200 representatives from councils across the UK attended the evening event.
Council Leader Graeme Morrice said: ?This award is further recognition at national level of the high quality of services provided by the council to the people of West Lothian. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making West Lothian Council such a success.?
Chief executive Alex Linkston added: ?This is a tremendous achievement for everyone at West Lothian Council. The LGC Awards recognise excellence in local government and we are ecstatic that we have received such a prestigious accolade, which reflects our commitment to be one of the leading and most innovative councils in the country.?
? West Lothian Council received a glowing report from a national watchdog last year. The Accounts Commission praised the council?s good practices and strong commitment to improvement in a best value audit report.
Date: 14-03-2006
