Class of 2024/25

Great Linford Parish Council, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes

Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC) has made significant strides in collaboration and community engagement. To support its goals, GLPC recruited a community liaison officer to strengthen partnerships and support residents, as well as a communications officer to manage social media, the website, and newsletters, helping promote services. A community programmes officer was also brought on to focus on resident engagement in disadvantaged areas. These roles have helped GLPC build a partner portfolio of over 50 organisations, including charities, local service providers, and MK college. The council also established a partners forum to offer collective support and share resources, and a community forum where local authorities, police, and residents meet to address concerns and share updates.

GLPC’s success is also rooted in a thorough review of its staffing and management structure. Following a job evaluation and training programme, the council ensured it had the right staff with the necessary skills to deliver sustainable services. This allowed GLPC to efficiently manage its five community facilities, leading to near full usage and increased income from hirers. The expanded ranger team has responded to environmental issues raised by residents, such as litter and landscape clearance, and through S106 funding and grants, the council has provided additional amenities, including new play areas and dog waste bins. The adoption of further premises through community asset transfers has extended the council’s ability to support residents, with over 400% more community support provided this year.

Community engagement is at the heart of GLPC’s work, with initiatives like “stop and chat” surveys, online feedback, and a published quarterly magazine. GLPC has introduced monthly litter picks, drawing regular participation from residents, and launched a community forum to address concerns about crime, housing, and the environment. Based on feedback, GLPC has developed a variety of community support programs, including a community larder, cafes, social spaces, ESOL classes, and free school holiday activities. Recently, a youth club and café were introduced, reflecting GLPC’s commitment to shaping services around residents’ needs and ensuring high levels of community participation.

GLPC has also taken on significant projects to improve local facilities. Through a community asset transfer, the council took responsibility for a new facility, refurbishing a disused building into a community hub and café. It also installed shipping containers to house a community fridge and sports storage, successfully launched by the MK mayor. With S106 funding and grants, GLPC has expanded its environmental efforts, including an increased Ranger team, which collected 52 tons of litter in 2023. The council’s ambitious, community-driven approach continues to push boundaries and deliver tangible benefits for the area.

Cllr Richard Collins, Great Braxted Parish Council, Essex

Cllr Richard Collins has revitalised Great Braxted’s community by spearheading the ambitious refurbishment of the Pavilion, a cornerstone of local life. Through his relentless dedication, he secured over £130,000 in funding, including major grants such as £69,000 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC) Community Ownership Fund—making Great Braxted the only council in Essex to receive this grant last year. This funding has enabled crucial upgrades, including insulation cladding, new windows, furnishings, and interior decoration, with plans for further enhancements like solar panels and a new roof to boost sustainability.

His commitment to transparency and community engagement is exemplary. Cllr Collins keeps residents informed through regular updates at parish meetings and detailed articles in the Braxted Bulletin, fostering trust and encouraging feedback. This two-way communication has empowered residents, instilling a strong sense of pride and collective ownership.

Cllr Collins has shown remarkable resilience in managing this project, navigating logistical challenges, coordinating with contractors, and overcoming supply chain disruptions to keep the project on track. His forward-thinking vision and hands-on leadership ensure the Pavilion will serve as a sustainable, vibrant hub for generations to come, setting a high standard in local governance.

Cllr Nathan Dunbar, Polegate Town Council, East Sussex

Cllr Nathan Dunbar of Polegate Town Council is a dynamic and engaged leader committed to enhancing local services and fostering community spirit. His initiatives have already led to tangible improvements, such as new street litter bins, promotional materials for council-owned land, and plans for expanded sporting facilities, including a new tennis court at Brightling Road Leisure Ground. His deep dedication to community well-being is further reflected in his extensive work with the Polegate Community Foundation, where he leads the “Keeping Polegate Clean” initiative, organising community litter-picking events and advocating for litter prevention.

Nathan is a proactive and passionate advocate for social interaction and resident engagement. He has organised successful annual events like the Scarecrow Festival, raising over £10,000 for local charities, and has coordinated large-scale family fun days that attract around 1,000 attendees each year. Nathan also runs community engagement events, communicates frequently with residents on social media, and distributes community information leaflets door-to-door, ensuring that the council remains connected with residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Known for his commitment to inclusivity, Nathan is a strong voice for youth representation in local government. He actively supports young people's involvement in decision-making processes, motivated by his background as a candidate for the East Sussex Youth Cabinet and a visitor to the UK Youth Parliament. Within the council, he is a vocal participant in meetings, unafraid to challenge ideas or debate long-standing practices. He brings a fresh perspective to council discussions and has contributed actively to council initiatives, business planning, and community outreach.

Nathan’s dedication extends beyond his council role through his fundraising and volunteering efforts, which have raised over £15,000 for various charities. He continues to prioritise community needs and foster a supportive, vibrant environment for all residents in Polegate. 

Suffolk Association of Local Councils

The Suffolk Association of Local Councils (SALC) is playing a key role in helping parish and town councils navigate the challenges associated with the rapid increase in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) across Suffolk. With Suffolk’s position as a hub for green energy initiatives, NSIPs bring considerable impacts on local communities, demanding specialized engagement and representation. To address these needs, SALC collaborated with Suffolk County Council to produce Getting to Grips with NSIPs, a comprehensive guide published in November 2023. This guide empowers councils of all sizes to engage effectively with infrastructure projects, ensuring they can represent their communities' interests.

Supported by Suffolk County Council’s nationally recognised Centre of Excellence and the DLUHC Innovation and Capacity Fund, the guide was crafted with input from councillors, clerks, planning experts, and specialist lawyers. SALC also incorporated insights on joint committees and collaborative models for councils, using research on cluster governance to provide additional context. The guide’s development exemplifies effective inter-agency collaboration, reducing duplication and enabling councils to pool expertise across multiple levels of government.

Beyond the guide, SALC and Suffolk County Council now issue a quarterly NSIP newsletter to keep councils updated on infrastructure changes. They are also actively advocating for more equitable support for parish councils, addressing disparities in resources and access to specialist knowledge compared to larger government bodies. SALC has further engaged with civil servants to review NSIP processes, providing insights from parish and town councils on potential improvements. SALC is also exploring funding for a dedicated energy projects coordinator to enhance council support and foster ongoing collaborative efforts.

This initiative illustrates the potential of cross-tier partnerships to empower communities, position councils as influential stakeholders in major projects, and open new pathways for local government advocacy in a rapidly evolving public sector landscape. 

James Hardy, Penzance Town Council, Cornwall

Since joining Penzance Town Council two years ago, James Hardy has built a strong leadership team grounded in a public service ethos. His focus on improving access to public-facing services addresses the challenges posed by the increasing shift to online-only access, which often excludes vulnerable, digitally disadvantaged individuals. James encourages staff to provide in-person and telephone support, rebuilding trust not just in the council but in local public services and democracy. His efforts include leading a project to re-establish a council presence in the historic market house, supported by town deal funding, to make essential services accessible at the heart of the town. Under his guidance, Penzance Town Council is recognised as a beacon of public service.

James’s extensive experience in partnership-building has been instrumental in enhancing relationships with community organisations and unitary authority. He has successfully negotiated devolution arrangements, secured a significant local asset and enhanced the management of devolved open spaces. His work includes securing strategic agreements with partners aligned with council objectives, ensuring continued service to the community despite financial challenges. James's collaboration extends to support major community events like the Golowan Festival and jubilee pool, strengthening these cultural staples. His empathy, strong community connections, and remarkable memory make him a trusted and valued partner in these efforts.

In addition to these initiatives, James has played a key role in Penzance’s £30 million regeneration projects, advising board members and leveraging his local knowledge to ensure projects benefit residents. He has also innovated revenue-generating approaches to support Penlee House, a local museum and gallery housing valuable Newlyn School artwork. His efforts led to a £250,000 grant for transforming a neglected space into an arts café, which will boost revenue and visitor engagement. James’s commitment shines through in his hands-on approach to complex issues, such as tackling antisocial behaviour in collaboration with police and community groups. His leadership has been crucial in balancing ambitious goals with budget constraints, keeping precept increases low while delivering valuable community improvements. James’s dedication, collaboration, and impact have profoundly benefited Penzance and its residents. 

Exmouth Town Council, Devon

Exmouth Town Council (ETC) has made significant progress in addressing climate and ecological challenges, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to sustainability. In 2019, the Council declared a Climate Emergency, establishing a dedicated Climate and Ecological Emergency Working Party, allocating a £2,500 budget, and commissioning an external auditor to evaluate its carbon footprint. The endorsement of the Climate Action Plan in March 2023 marks a significant step in extending original action points and aligning with regional climate strategies.

Through its proactive initiatives, ETC has embedded climate and biodiversity considerations into its operations. Projects like planting a Tiny Forest, replacing bus shelter roofs with sedum, and protecting verges that support rare species showcase the Council’s focus on enhancing local biodiversity. The adoption of the Plant Based Treaty and the launch of the Exmouth Reusable Cup Scheme further highlight the Council’s innovative approaches to reducing waste and promoting sustainable lifestyles.

ETC’s efforts extend to promoting active travel and reducing emissions through community programmes such as e-cargo bike sharing and bicycle refurbishment schemes. Community engagement is central to the Council’s approach, with climate workshops, film nights, and a quarterly newsletter fostering widespread awareness and participation. The monthly roundtable at the Community Eco Hub brings together local groups and stakeholders to collaborate on solutions for climate resilience.

These initiatives underscore Exmouth Town Council’s dedication to sustainability and community-led climate action, making it a model for local government leadership in addressing the climate and ecological emergency.