High Peak is Council of the Year 2007
Celebrating achievement in local government
The Local Government Chronicle awards are regarded as the top prizes, which celebrate achievement in local government. The Council of the Year is the principal award, which celebrates the winning council’s achievements in many different fields.
Panel of judges
The awards are judged independently by a prestigious panel, which includes:
- Paul Coen - Chief Executive of the Local Government Association,
- Steve Bundred - the Chief Executive of the Audit Commission,
- Sir Robert Kerslake - the Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council,
- Neil Kinghan - the Director of General Local and Regional Government (DCLG),
- Ronan Ball - the Head of Single Tier Authorities, Zurich Municipal, and
- Dave Prentis - the General Secretary of Unison.
During a visit to the Borough, the judges met front line staff, managers, partners and councillors, and were impressed by the Council’s commitment to high quality customer care, and the energy and dedication of front line staff in providing excellent services.
Our representatives
High Peak Borough Council was represented at the awards presentation by:
- Councillor David Lomax - Leader of the Council,
- Councillor Caitlin Bisknell - Leader of the Labour Group,
- Councillor John Faulkner - Leader of the Conservative Group,
- representatives from the management team, and
- five front line staff, selected from a draw.
Councillor David Lomax said: “I am delighted that the work of the Council has been nationally recognised. This is a great achievement for all our staff and reflects the dedicated way in which they provide services to High Peak residents and visitors.”
Chief Executive's message
High Peak Borough Council Chief Executive Peter Sloman said: “Three years ago, the Council achieved Excellent status from the Audit Commission, but being selected as the Council of the Year puts High Peak in the top position in local government in 2007.
“This is an enormous achievement for front line staff, managers and councillors, who have worked hard to achieve the targets we set ourselves to improve the quality of life in High Peak.
“The judges were particularly impressed by the Council’s
- regeneration of Buxton and Glossop by attracting large scale external investment;
- our transformation of heritage buildings into economic use;
- our improvement in customer care and performance;
- the value for money we offer council tax payers, and the recent low and stable council tax levels.
“The judges also highlighted that High Peak Borough Council has demonstrated how so much can be achieved with relatively little resources, compared with larger councils in the country.
“We should all be very proud of this achievement.”