Council projects recognised by peers
Rossendale Borough Council has been shortlisted for two awards in recognition of its innovative recycling project and its groundbreaking initiative to get more people into work.
The Council has been honoured in two categories in the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards, a national recognition of excellence in local government.
The nominations showcase its commitment to innovation, community development, and environmental sustainability.
The first shortlist is in the Small Team category for the Rossendale Works program, a groundbreaking employability initiative.
Developed in partnership with Active Lancashire and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Rossendale Works has successfully supported a significant number of individuals who faced barriers to employment. The program, an example of the council’s dedication to inclusive opportunities, stands out as a beacon of good practice and is a testament to the impactful work carried out by the small but dedicated team.
The second shortlist is in the Environmental Services category for the Council’s innovative pilot recycling project, Check Before You Chuck. Aimed at increasing recycling rates, the project has demonstrated remarkable success, with a 15% increase in plastic, glass, and tin recycling, an 11% rise in paper and cardboard recycling, and a 6% reduction in general waste.
The recognition is particularly pleasing for Rossendale Borough Council, as it has one of the lowest recycling rates in the county. The pilot demonstrated how a successful campaign to bring about behaviour change can make a significant difference and the Council hope to roll the initiative out across the borough.
Commenting on the double shortlisting, RBC's Chief Executive Rob Huntington said: "We are honoured and delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at the LGC Awards. Rossendale Works and Check Before You Chuck exemplify our commitment to making a positive impact on both our community and the environment. These nominations acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our teams and the success of our collaborative initiatives with partners. Whether we win or not everyone involved should be really proud of their achievements. "
Adrian Leather, Chief Executive at Active Lancashire, said, "Our Rossendale Works colleagues are fostering a strong working community, boosting the skills and confidence of local people and connecting them with businesses to help them continue to recruit in Rossendale. It's a strong approach, and we're pleased that they are gaining further recognition for their efforts by making the LGC Awards shortlist."
Council Leader Alyson Barnes expressed her pride, stating: "Being shortlisted in two categories for the LGC Awards is a tremendous achievement for our council and community. Small councils like ours often get overlooked at things like this, but we show time and time again that whilst we may be small, we have big ambition and can positively impact the lives of not just our residents but also act as an example to the rest of the country.
“We are excited to show case our achievements on a national stage and look forward to seeing how our initiatives measure up against the best in the country."
The winners of the LGC Awards will be announced in June.