Hull takes the most improved council crown

Hull City Council was crowned the most improved council in the country in the local government equivalent to the Oscars.

The council beat strong competition to be shortlisted, along with four other councils, in the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) awards - before last night scooping the top award for 'Most Improved Council' at a ceremony in London.

A judging panel, made up of chief executives from other English councils, travelled to Hull in January. They met with the council's leader and chief executive to find out about how the council have improved key services, and satisfaction levels amongst residents.

Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Carl Minns said: "The most important factor is to ensure residents get excellent quality services - but it's always good to have external recognition of the improvements to services. We won't rest on our laurels- we are ambitious and will continue to focus on delivering the best for residents - and even more improvements in the coming year."

Chief executive Nicola Yates said: "To be chosen as one of a small number of councils that have made great advances was quite an achievement. But to be selected from those outstanding councils for this coveted award is fantastic - for the council, its partners for the part they played and for the people of Hull. To every member of our staff who has played their part in Hull winning this award well done and thank you."

Advances which impressed the judging panel leading to Hull gaining the award were across a range of areas including helping the city thrive economically and helping its people achieve their potential, improving health and making Hull a safer city.

Achievements include:

* major reductions in the level of crime and fear of crime, now below the national average
* reductions in litter, fly posting and graffiti
* innovative improvements in social care for older people to help them live independently in their own homes
* improvements in educational attainment - the best GCSE results and plans for the future through Hull Challenge to achieve even greater results
* dramatic improvements in recycling rates
* helping residents and businesses through the economic downturn
* improvements in residents satisfaction levels outlined in the Place Survey and through the council's people's panel
* council improvements including efficiency savings
* regional and national recognition for the council - more than 40 awards and commendations.

One Hull's Cat.Zero project also took first place at the LGC Awards in the public/private partnership category. This innovative scheme brings together private, public and voluntary sectors to support young people, 16 -18, who live in Hull and who are not in education, employment or training. This offers them up to 12 weeks which could change their lives and gives them the opportunity to gain hands on practical qualifications. It helped over 100 young people in its first year.

The council was also shortlisted for the Place of the Year award, for the economic development and regeneration team's work providing a better and more positive future for the city through a wide range of initiatives for people and businesses.

The council has played a leading role in protecting Hull from the worst effects of the recession through a programme of 'place shielding' projects and activities supporting local businesses and helping local people stay in work - or find new employment or training opportunities. Working with a range of partners including the city's economic development company, Hull Forward, regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, Business Link, the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses, the council demonstrated community leadership and commitment to the local economy to achieve its goal of minimising the impact of the recession on the city and improving local lives.

While the projects and initiatives included in the 'place-shielding' activities are vital to protect the city during the economic downturn, the council continues to prepare the city for the economic upturn - to enable it to deliver a sustainable economic future for Hull.

The LGC awards formally recognise success and achievements of the very best in local government.