Wokingham Borough Council named as finalist for Council of the Year award

Wokingham Borough Council has been shortlisted as Local Authority of the Year by the organisers of a prestigious national award.

The MJ Awards recognise excellence in local government. They are run by the leading magazine dedicated to local authorities. 

Wokingham Borough Council is one of seven finalists, along with Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole; Burnley, Lancaster; Stockton-on-Tees; Stockport; and Watford. The overall winner will be announced on 20 June. 

Leader of the Council Cllr Stephen Conway said: “Following on from being rated one of the most efficient councils in the country in the Impower and the Municipal Journal ‘Impower Index’ last year, this is another testament to our council. 

“I am delighted for our hard-working staff to be recognised in this way – of course, all that really matters is how we work for residents, but it is great that this independent and respected journal has shortlisted us in this way.” 

Wokingham Borough Council’s entry for the awards focussed on its work support for partners to develop the Communities Vision for the borough and its commitment to look beyond the borough’s image as healthy and wealthy to focus on helping everybody to thrive. 

Chief Executive Susan Parsonage said: “Working with partners is central to what we are about. In recent years we have tried to work more and more with the voluntary sector and local businesses. 

“We were an active partner in creating the Communities Vision, which set out aspirations for the area for the next ten years. We are also committed to being a place for everybody to thrive – that means targeting our efforts and resources where they can be most effective for people. 

“I am delighted that the MJ has recognised the value of those efforts.”