Luton Borough Council shortlisted for LGC Awards

Luton is in the frame for the highest honour in the Local Government Chronicle awards, having been shortlisted for Council of the Year.

After studying a detailed written submission which set out how the Luton Investment Framework (LIF) is being implemented to improve the lives and prospects of people across the Borough, the LGC judges agreed that Luton should be one of just five councils shortlisted for the top award.

“This is a tremendous achievement which reflects on the hard work and dedication of people at every level across the whole organisation,” said Chief Executive Trevor Holden.

“Our submission to the LGC sets out how Luton has changed its strategic focus so it can invest in communities and improve outcomes for local people, despite £107m budget reductions.

“Crucially, we were able to point at tangible results which demonstrate that the LIF is already delivering real benefits to the people of Luton, and wherever you look in the Council there is evidence of this.

“Teenage pregnancies and childhood obesity are reducing, new businesses are flourishing and both full time employment and earnings have increased – and then there’s our successful application for a 395 acre Enterprise Zone, creating 7,200 jobs.

“In terms of skills and education, more than 5,000 people attended training courses run by our Adult Learning Service, and we received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating for our Apprenticeship Programme.

“These are just a few examples, but they demonstrate that it is achievements by staff across the authority that resulted in Luton being shortlisted for this prestigious award. Everyone in the Council should be proud of the contribution they have made.”

Leader of the Council Cllr Hazel Simmons added: “I am delighted that the LGC judges have recognised the exceptional efforts being made by this Council. We know that Luton has a great future and that everyone in the Council is dedicated to making our town a great place to be. This nomination puts our achievements on the national stage, and I am grateful to everyone who has helped make this happen.”

As well as recognising the Council’s overall success, the LGC judges were impressed by some of the individual initiatives taking place in Luton and have shortlisted the Discharge Assessment Rehabilitation Team in the Team of the Year category.