Blackburn with Darwen Council is the Local Authority of the Year 2018

Tribute is being paid to the dedication of public sector workers across Blackburn and Darwen following the announcement of a top national accolade.

The Municipal Journal (MJ) Local Government Achievement Awards are held annually to recognise and praise the vital work council teams undertake every day, covering a huge range of responsibilities and services.

The panel of independent judges said that the breadth of Blackburn with Darwen’s achievements for its communities is outstanding regardless of the economic and financial challenges. They described the Council as an ‘outstanding example of modern local government’ which is ‘underpinned by strong, consistent and humble leadership and an unwavering mission to put the customer first’.

It was also noted that the Council has taken a brave and positive approach to children’s services and that achievements in public health and adult social care were impressive.

The award co-incides with the 20^th Anniversary of the Council becoming a unitary authority.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

This is a great honour, we have a Council to be proud of and its given everybody a boost after some very difficult times.  The only way we can deliver excellent services is with the community and our many partner organisations. We know that whatever comes our way that people always roll up their sleeves and pitch in. We share this success with everybody.

It’s the third time the Council has had a top national accolade in the past 20 years for high performance – previously winning the Local Government Chronicle’s Council of the year twice.

Chief Executive Harry Catherall added:

These high profile awards are hugely important. Government and investors know that we are a Council that can be trusted to do its very best for our people.”

It’s a great 20^th birthday present for all of the people who remain firmly ambitious for this brilliant borough as well as celebrating the enormous success of those who help thousands of people and make a meaningful difference to our communities.