Date: 14/03/2007
High Peak Borough Council has won the Local Government Chronicle's Council of the Year Award on Monday 12 March, at a glittering ceremony in London.
The event was hosted by entertainer Rory Bremner, and, for the first time ever in its history, the award was presented jointly this year - with High Peak Borough Council and Wychavon District Council both claiming the top honour.
The judges were particularly impressed by the Council"s:
The national awards for local government are firmly established as the highlight of the local government calendar. They are recognised across the public sector as the mark of excellence, rewarding Councils for the difference they are making in their communities.
Councillor David Lomax, Leader of High Peak Borough Council, 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."
High Peak Borough Council's 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 also highlighted that High Peak 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."
Note to editors:For interviews regarding the event, please contact Michelle Farraday, Communications and Marketing Manager, on 0845 129 77 77, extension 2100. Digital photographs will be available from Wednesday 14 March.