Council in frame for top awards

OLDHAM Council has beaten hundreds of local authorities from across the country to make the shortlist for a prestigious award.

The borough is a finalist in the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards Council of the Year category.

Organisers received a record-breaking 640 entries for this year’s awards, but only 80 made the shortlists across 19 categories.

Oldham’s submission for ‘Council of the Year’ focused on the transformation to “co-operative council” and its work to lead public service reform, reinvigorate its leadership and deliver investment, regeneration and new employment opportunities.

The borough is up against local authorities in Derby, Durham, Hackney, Staffordshire and Wakefield..

Oldham has also been shortlisted for the Corporate Governance award, which recognises effective financial management and service.

Also nominated in this category are Barking and Dagenham, Bucking-hamshire, East Renfrew-shire, Medway and St Helens.

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted by the LGC for two prestigious honours.

“Following on from the recent results of an independent assessment of Oldham Council by our peers, this is further recognition that we are continuing to make good progress.

Two judges will visit Oldham later this month