The heroic work of councils across the country was recognised this afternoon at The MJ Achievement Awards 2026.
North Lincolnshire Council took home the most sought-after prize of the day, being named Local Authority of the Year.
The trophy was presented at a ceremony in central London hosted by actor and comic Hugh Dennis, best known as star of the BBC series Outnumbered and as a panellist on Mock the Week.
In total, 21 award winners were announced, including three brand new categories recognising the rising importance of Artificial Intelligence, the need to foster sustainable growth, and the crucial role played by finance teams.
North Lincolnshire impressed the judges with its unwavering focus on delivering real outcomes for residents, underpinned by strong, visible and values-driven leadership.
Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, said: ‘The MJ Awards recognise the very best of local government, celebrating the innovators that are leading the way in delivering outstanding public services and transforming communities.
‘It is an honour to celebrate this year's winners and finalists, whose achievements demonstrate the ambition, resilience and innovation that define the sector. Congratulations to all involved and thank you to our judges and sponsors for all their support.'
Among the other winners at this afternoon's ceremony was Sutton LBC's Helen Bailey, who was named Chief Executive of the Year.
Judges said she was ‘a chief executive who delivers real impact where it matters most - in people's lives' and recognised ‘a values-led and outcome-focused leader who sets the standard for modern public service delivery'.
Recipient of The MJ's special Outstanding Contribution to Local Government award was Theresa Grant, former chief executive of Trafford MBC and Northamptonshire CC and a current government adviser on local government reorganisation.
Presenting the award, The MJ's editorial director Michael Burton said Ms Grant ‘has consistently taken on some of the most demanding challenges in local government helping organisations navigate transformation'.
The rest of this year's winners were:
AI Innovation in Local Government: East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Best Council Services Team: Rushcliffe Borough Council
Council Communications Campaign of the Year: Southend-on-Sea City Council
Community Engagement: Tamworth Borough Council
Delivering Better Outcomes: London Borough of Enfield
Delivering Resilient and Sustainable Growth: Essex County Council
Digital Transformation: City of Doncaster Council
Innovation in Building Diversity and Inclusion: Newcastle City Council
Innovation in Children's and Adults' Services: Cumberland Council
Innovation in Delivering Sustainability and Social Value: London Borough of Islington
Innovation in Housing: Hull City Council
Innovation in Public Private Partnerships: London Borough of Hackney and Zest
Innovation in Reducing Health Inequalities: Birmingham City Council
Local Government Finance Team: Rutland County Council
Rising Star: Chloe Kelly, Staffordshire County Council
Senior Leadership: Guildford Borough Council
Transforming Lives: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
Workforce Optimisation: Hull City Council
