A total of 134 local authority initiatives have been shortlisted for awards or commendations across the 16 categories in The MJ Local Government Achievement Awards 2009. Of the total, there are 92 finalists and 42 commended, chosen by judges from a record list of entries. The MJ's editor, Michael Burton, said: ‘As ever, there were difficult choices to be made by our panels of judges, since there were so many good entries. I congratulate those councils whose submissions have been shortlisted or commended, and, as for those who did not regretfully make it this year – there is always the next!' Of the finalists, a winner in each category will be announced at the awards gala dinner at London's Hilton Hotel, Park Lane on 25 June, hosted by BBC TV news presenter Huw Edwards. You can visit The MJ's website Localgov.co.uk/mj awards for the full results to see if your authority is a finalist or has been awarded commended status. Shortlisted councils' submissions are also available by clicking on the council name. To book a table for the night, you can download a booking form from the website. Click here for further details
