Brent has been named ‘Council of the Year’ 2020, at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards, having been recognised for embracing its communities in a celebration of diversity.
Brent beat off competition from other finalists Bristol, Hull, Aderdeen, Calderdale and Adur & Worthing to scoop the top accolade at the online ceremony.
The judges award the Council of the Year title to the local authority that “demonstrates a level of excellence and innovation that takes its work well beyond basic service provision”.
The panel of judges said: “Brent has embraced its communities in a celebration of diversity, lifting up the whole borough. The council demonstrates how to convene place and communities – an antidote to today’s fractured society.”
Receiving the award on behalf of the council, Cllr Muhammed Butt, who has been Leader of Brent Council since 2012, said: “The challenge of working in local government is ever changing as we respond to crises, central Government funding cuts and the fast changing world around us. Councils are not just here to pick up the bins, we know and love our communities and provide not just a safety net but also a spring board and opportunities for residents to improve their own lives.”
“Brent is the most diverse borough in the most diverse city on earth and this award will only increase our desire to continue improving and Build a Better Brent.”
Highlights from Brent’s year include that for the second year running, the latest GLA data shows that Brent has more affordable homes under construction than anywhere else in London. 700 council homes are currently being built in Brent – the highest number for any local authority in London – with another 913 in the pipeline. And in South Kilburn the council had the biggest estate regeneration resident ballot in London with a 72% turnout and 84% of people voting in favour.
