Categories
Nominations for the 2026/27 Star Council Awards are now open.
These categories highlight the diverse contributions made by parish and town councils, councillors, county associations and clerks in serving their communities across England and driving positive change. These awards are only for parish and town councils, councillors, clerks and county associations in membership of the National Association of Local Councils.
Click the images below to explore more about who is eligible and what we're looking for in a winning entry.
Council of the Year
The Council of the Year will stand apart, raising the bar for the sector with outstanding work across service delivery, service impact, community engagement, partnerships and collaborative working.
Criteria
- How the parish or town council has established, maintained and managed effective relationships with other local authorities and/or organisations.
- How the parish or town council has ensured effective service delivery to residents, improving the quality and range of local services.
- How the parish or town council maintains two-way communication with the community, and how the community has responded.
- How the parish or town council finds new and better ways to do things for the community, and plans for the future.
Nominating for the award
Anyone can nominate for this award, including county associations, council members (councillors, clerks and council staff) and the general public.
Deadline
Nominations close on 25 September 2026.
Councillor of the Year
Councillors play a vital role in their communities. They are local leaders who connect people, facilitate opportunities for involvement and make things happen in their area. This award will recognise and reward councillors who exceed expectations, show absolute dedication to their communities and make positive changes happen.
Criteria
- How the parish or town councillor has improved local services in the community.
- How the parish or town councillor maintains two-way communication with the community, and how the community has responded.
- How the parish or town councillor has overcome challenges when managing projects.
- How the parish or town councillor works to include the wider community and helps people participate in local decisions.
Nominating for the award
Anyone can nominate for this award, including county associations, council members (councillors, clerks and council staff) and the general public. The exception is that councillors cannot self-nominate or be nominated by their family members.
Deadline
Nominations close on 25 September 2026.
Young Councillor of the Year
We like to celebrate and recognise the achievements of the young councillors representing their communities. With the average age of councillors currently standing at around 60, young people can face a challenge in overcoming barriers to becoming elected. This award will recognise a councillor who was 30 or under when last elected and has contributed significantly to their community.
Criteria
- How the parish or town councillor has improved local services in the community.
- How the parish or town councillor maintains two-way communication with the community, and how the community has responded.
- How the parish or town councillor has overcome challenges when managing projects.
- How the parish or town councillor works to include the wider community and helps people participate in local decisions.
Nominating for the award
Anyone can nominate for this award, including county associations, council members (councillors, clerks and council staff) and the general public. The exception is that councillors cannot self-nominate or be nominated by their family members.
Deadline
Nominations close on 25 September 2026.
Climate Response of the Year
This award will go to the parish or town council, which shows it understands what climate change means for its community and place. It has acted to mitigate those impacts, adapt to them and build local resilience for people and nature. The parish or town council will demonstrate long-term thinking, good community engagement, and partnership work in its climate response activities, highlighting what parish and town councils can do to help their communities be prepared.
Criteria
- How the parish or town council has taken climate change into account when developing strategies and plans, such as neighbourhood plans.
- How the parish or town council engages with the community in implementing climate initiatives, such as tree planting.
- How the parish or town council is helping its community prepare for climate-related effects, such as extreme weather or flooding.
- How the parish or town council has worked with organisations to support and deliver local actions on climate change.
Nominating for the award
Anyone can nominate for this award, including county associations, council members (councillors, clerks and council staff) and the general public.
Deadline
Nominations close on 25 September 2026.
County Association of the Year
County associations play a crucial role in the work we do and provide parish and town councils with comprehensive advice, support and training. Their work ensures councils are well-equipped to support their communities and improve the lives of residents. This award will recognise anything and everything from support and guidance, to training and events, from managing projects to producing publications.
Criteria
- How the county association provides high-quality advice and guidance to parish and town councils.
- How the county association delivers impactful training sessions and workshops.
- How the county association initiates or supports innovative projects or services for parish and town councils.
- How the county association communicates effectively with parish and town councils.
Nominating for the award
Anyone can nominate for this award, including county associations, council members (councillors, clerks and council staff) and the general public.
Deadline
Nominations close on 25 September 2026.
Clerk of the Year
Responsible for the overall management of parish and town councils, clerks play a vital role in local communities and, indeed, local government. We are looking for exceptional candidates for this category who possess the strongest leadership, relationship, and project management skills, and are highly trained and experienced. This award winner will be a clerk who implements key council objectives for the community's benefit.
Criteria
- How the clerk provides leadership and direction.
- How the clerk has established, maintained and managed relationships internally and externally for the parish or town council's benefit.
- How the clerk has overcome challenges when managing projects.
- How the clerk shows commitment to learning and growing in the role.
Nominating for the award
Anyone can nominate for this award, including county associations, council members (councillors, clerks and council staff) and the general public. The exception is that clerks cannot self-nominate or be nominated by their family members.
Deadline
Nominations close on 25 September 2026.
