Aberdeen City Council named UK’s best local authority

02 October 2020

Aberdeen City Council was today named Local Authority of the Year at the prestigious MJ (Municipal Journal) Achievement Awards 2020. 

The council was the only Scottish authority to have been shortlisted for the prestigious UK award celebrating achievements in local government.  

The Municipal Journal (The MJ) is the online management journal for local authority matters, and the ceremony – held virtually this year – is one of the major events in the public sector calendar. 

The Local Authority of the Year category rewarded success across an organisation – strong performance in major services, innovation, good synergy between the executive and political functions, and sound financial stewardship.  

In announcing the winner, Neil Lupin of public sector consultancy Green Park praised the council for the “brave, bold and imaginative way” it had reinvigorated the city in response to the oil downturn.

Councillor Douglas Lumsden, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “We are thrilled to be named Local Authority of the Year. The last financial year was one in which many of our flagship projects came to life and judges recognised our investment in the place as well as people as the key to our success.” 

Councillor Jenny Laing, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “We are immensely proud to be the recipient of this award. As a council we have empowered staff, enabled communities and pioneered partnership working, and as such we should all celebrate this outstanding achievement.” 

Angela Scott, Chief Executive, Aberdeen City Council said: “To win The MJ Achievement Awards for Local Authority of the Year is a fantastic recognition of the efforts made by our staff in serving the people of Aberdeen. 

“We are delighted to have received recognition for transforming how we do our business through our journey to implement our target operating model. 

“I’d like to express my thanks to all council staff for all that they do every day on behalf of the city and for the part they have played in the recognition we have received today.” 

Judges said: “The council has an impressive story to tell in terms of its changing economic context and the bold steps it is taking to deliver an unprecedented transformation of the city through a pioneering capital programme and significant investments in the social and cultural future of its communities.”

The council is also in the running for a second top accolade – Council of the Year in the annual LGC (Local Government Chronicle) Awards 2020 – the winner of which will be announced later this month.

Aberdeen City Council is the only Scottish council nominated.