Council projects shortlisted for national awards

Council projects shortlisted for national awards

Three projects launched by North East Lincolnshire Council are in the running for one the public sector’s top accolades after being shortlisted for the MJ Local Government Authority Achievement Awards this year.

The three projects represent some of the high-performing, innovative work the Council has done that offers long-term benefits to the whole community.

The Community Assets Transfer (CAT) scheme allows Development Trusts, Community Interest Companies and social enterprises to manage underutilised buildings under long-term rentals below market value to stimulate social, economic and environmental strength.

Each CAT means enterprises have a space to operate, the public can enjoy a more varied offer of activities and disused buildings are given a new lease of life. Examples of the CATs so far include Grimsby Ice Rink, Former Clee Youth centre to Fusion Boxing, Sussex Recreation Pavilion, Former Trin Youth Centre to Trinity Boxing Academy, and the Knoll.

Another contender is the mitigation site developed as part of the South Humber Industrial Investment Programme. This is a unique approach to secure “mitigation sites” for protected birds before the start of industrial development in the area, and means that potential developers have this already in place before they start work, saving time and money.

Natural England believe this is the first example in the UK where bird habitat has been specifically created and managed in advance of predicted impacts from developments.

The ground-breaking project has already won national plaudits from the Royal Town and Planning Institute earlier this year, and is another great example of forward-thinking projects taking place that are making a long-term impact on the future of our borough.

The third entry puts people at the heart of decision making about health and adult social care services and the way those services are planned and designed. It is the Union between North East Lincolnshire Council and NHS North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Through the Union, local people get improved access to the advice, information and support  they need to enjoy a good quality of life, recover from ill health as close to home as possible and remain independent for as long as possible.

Chief executive of North East Lincolnshire Council and the CCG, Rob Walsh, said: “It’s brilliant that the great work the Council’s and CCG’s workforce does is being recognised by being shortlisted for these awards. I understand that there was fierce competition this year, so to have not one, or two, but three projects shortlisted is a huge achievement in itself.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader at North East Lincolnshire Council said: “These projects are just a few examples of the brilliant work done at the Council and CCG. They have already proved their worth by creating a stronger community and offering new opportunities for work and leisure for the public, a stronger economy, saving the Council significant amounts of money, creating a better harmony between industry, development and our priceless natural environment and simply forging a better borough for all.

“To have their success highlighted with an award would crystallise the achievement made by everyone who has contributed to the work and everyone who has benefitted from it.”

The awards will now go to final judging later in the year.

Article and image from NELC.

About the author

NEL_Conservatives administrator