South Tyneside Council in running for national award

South Tyneside Council is one of six up for the award.

It is one of six councils to have been shortlisted from hundreds of submissions in the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2017, which are the premier awards for local government.

The awards aim to identify, celebrate and help share the finest examples of innovation and best practice delivered by councils on a daily basis.

Coun Alan Kerr, deputy leader at South Tyneside Council, said: “Being just one of a handful of councils selected in this category is a testament to how well South Tyneside Council has responded to delivering services despite a backdrop of reducing resources.

“Judges have commended the high quality of submissions in the category of Council of the Year and to be shortlisted is a wonderful achievement.”

During 2010-11, the South Tyneside Partnership developed its 20-year vision to make South Tyneside 'an outstanding place to live, invest and bring up families'.

Among the council's recent projects have been the opening of The Word, The National Centre for the Written Word, and Haven Point, in South Shields.

Martin Swales, chief executive at South Tyneside Council, said: “I’m delighted that the council has been shortlisted from hundreds of submissions from councils across the country.

"It is great to receive external endorsement for the work undertaken by South Tyneside Council.

“This is a reflection of the long-term vision of elected members, our partnership boards and the continued commitment of staff who work hard to make a difference to the lives of people in South Tyneside.”

A record-breaking 670 entries were submitted for this year’s awards, with over 100 organisations in the final, all battling it out for an LGC award.

Nick Golding, editor of LGC, said: "We have received record entries for the 2017 LGC Awards, showing councils are even more committed than before to innovating and sharing best practice.

“The LGC Awards will showcase and celebrate the tremendous work of council staff to help local communities in a period of uncertainty.”

Winners will be announced on March 8, 2017 at Grosvenor House, London.

The full list of finalists can be found at awards.lgcplus.com