At the Municipal Journal Awards last Friday, Stockport Council were given the award of “Local Authority of the Year “  with the judges singling out their “ ‘standout’ submission for its ‘clarity of purpose and impact’ and a ‘commitment to people-centred progress’.. 

The judges also said that  “The “OneStockport” ethos shone through bold investment, strong service delivery and genuine co-production.”

In an article earlier this   year Cllr Mark Hunter (until May 2025 Leader of Stockport Council)  explained their approach.  

 I was particularly struck by the attention to building new homes: 

Our ‘One Stockport’ approach unites public, private and voluntary sectors, ensuring everyone has a stake in our borough’s future. For example, our Mayoral Development Corporation has delivered more than 1,200 new homes and is on track to reach 8,000 by 2040, creating vibrant communities and opportunities for all.

And helping poor families:

Since April 2023, we have helped 49,000 residents’ access nearly £20m in benefits and written off £3m in debt. These are not just numbers, they are lives transformed.

Lib Dem Councils were shortlisted for numerous awards 

and  Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council won the award for Senior Leadership Team of the Year.   Council Leader Millie Earl said: 

This award is real recognition for the remarkable work BCP Council does. despite facing significant and unique challenges. Every day I see the extraordinary lengths our teams go to in serving communities across our three towns.

I love where we live, and our residents deserve high-quality services from a reliable, agile and proficient organisation capable of adapting to their changing, modern-day needs both now and in the future.

My congratulations to the Chief Executive, our Senior Leadership team, Councillors, Cabinet Members and all colleagues. Their dedication, passion and skill has been rightfully recognised through this award and I am grateful for their exceptional contributions.

It’s great to see our Lib Dem run councils recognised for the work they do and which  we can learn from in building a Liberal society 

* Simon McGrath is a Councillor in Wimbledon and is a member of the Federal Policy Committee and Federal Council.