Durham County Council pick up Excellence in Governance and Scrutiny MJ Award
At an exciting evening, celebrating some of the great achievements of Local Government, Durham County Council, were presented with the Excellence in Governance and Scrutiny MJ Award, which CfGS sponsored this year, for their commitment to public participation in local decision making.
Presented with the award by CfGS Chair, Lord Kerslake, with the comedian, Dara O’Briain compering proceedings, the team for Durham County Council had much to celebrate. Their work was recognised by an independent panel of highly respected judges for its innovative approach, steadfast commitment to local engagement and clear focus on scrutiny delivering outcomes.
The council provided some very clear case studies where scrutiny has had a demonstrable impact on local areas – such as a review of 20 mph zones and consequent change in planning policy, and supporting Area Action Partnerships which have enabled mass local participatory budget and priority setting events. Judges were also impressed with the work the council is doing polling local people on the North East devolution deal which has been signed subject to consultation. Given that CfGS has been pushing for greater transparency and local involvement in devolution deals we are delighted that this bold approach has been recognised by the judges.
Calderdale Council also submitted and excellent entry about their People’s Commission, which was established in 2014 to help facilitate debate about hospital reconfiguration, and were Highly Commended by the judges.
Congratulations to Durham and Calderdale and many thanks to all those who entered the awards. We will aim to post more detailed information about the work that Durham did to win the Excellence in Governance and Scrutiny MJ Award. In addition case studies will be featured in the MJ Magazine.
More information about all the winners of the MJ Awards 2016 can be found here.
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