On Wednesday 28th October, Brent Council announced that it was awarded with the “council of the year” award.
Five other local authorities – Bristol, Hull, Aberdeen, Calderdale, and Adur and Worthing were competing for the coveted honour at the Local Government Chronicle Awards. But Brent Council bagged the prize for “lifting up the whole borough” with its commitment to celebrating diversity which according to the judging panel is “an antidote to today’s fractured society”.
Highlighting the council’s various development initiatives, the awards recognised Brent councillors commitment to building new council homes, street cleaning initiatives, its best ever Ofsted rating, and working with partners to reduce homelessness and violent crime.
Receiving the award on behalf of the council, Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council since 2012, said, “This is brilliant recognition for all the hard work officers and councillors put in day in, day out to serve the residents of Brent.
“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. As a Brent boy born and bred, I am hugely proud of how far we have come as a council but there is more to do.
“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.
Recognising the efforts of Brent Council, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan tweeted, “Congratulations to Councillor Butt and Carolyn Downs and every member of the staff. Well deserved recognition for your commitment to the local community.”
