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The prestigious award recognises the best and most innovative local authority in the UK when it comes to service delivery. Neath Port Talbot is one of eight UK councils to be shortlisted and the only one from Wales.

The award seeks to celebrate those councils in the UK which are achieving excellent results in a wide range of different service areas.

The eight shortlisted UK councils are: 

•    Cambridge City Council
•    Cheshire West and Chester Council
•    Derby City Council
•    Inverclyde Council
•    Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
•    Neath Port Talbot Council
•    Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
•    Wigan Council

APSE says all of the finalists have demonstrated their commitment to implementing innovative ideas and excellence in public service delivery across a range of frontline services, supporting continuous improvement in local public services.

The winner of the prestigious Council of the Year Award will be announced at the APSE 2023 awards presentation evening which will be held in Belfast on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th  September.
As well as being shortlisted for the Overall Council of the Year Award, Neath Port Talbot Council is also in the running for two other 2023 APSE awards.

The council is one of six UK local authorities shortlisted in the Best Workforce Initiative category for transforming its IT Division into a brand new Digital Services Division. The change has been an essential element in securing the right Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) workforce that is required to meet the needs of the county borough’s residents, businesses and visitors. 

The council is also shortlisted in the Best Service Team (Facilities Management and Building Cleaning Service Category) for delivering a quality cleaning service while striving towards a net zero carbon requirement.

Under the “clean green” approach, the council’s cleaning service has implemented a number of changes including the use of biodegradable cleaning chemicals, the purchase of electric vehicles and using vacuum cleaners made from up to 75% of high quality recycled materials with high efficiency motors to cut costs.

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt, said: “We are delighted the hard work, innovation and determination to continue providing vital local services has been recognised by being shortlisted for Overall Council of the Year.

“We’re pleased to see that this effort and local leadership has been recognised with nominations in APSE’s annual awards. Good luck to all those involved.”

Karen Jones, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Chief Executive, added: “After what has been an extremely challenging few years for this and other councils, to be one of just eight councils shortlisted for Overall Council of the Year is a measure of our staff’s dedication and commitment, working with partners and volunteers, to delivering highly-valued services for our local communities, residents and businesses.”

Mo Baines, APSE’s Chief Executive, said: “Despite very serious ongoing pressures to frontline service delivery, the eight authorities shortlisted have demonstrated extraordinary levels of resilience and ingenuity in supporting local communities across the UK. Congratulations to each of our outstanding finalists - and good luck in Belfast!"