Rotherham Council is the ‘most improved’ in country

ROTHERHAM Council has been named the most improved in the country at a prestigious annual event — with judges agreeing it had “turned around massively over the years”.

It comes in stark contrast to the 2014 Jay report, which found “widespread failings” across the authority’s culture and service.

However, the council was named the most improved at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards 2022, which honours local authorities and individuals from across the UK in 22 categories.

The ceremony was held in London last Wednesday.

The judges unanimously agreed that “from a rock bottom position it is possible to rebuild the trust of the community through understanding, courage and openness”.

The council was represented at the event by staff members who won the authority’s own Big Hearts Big Changes employee awards.

Council leader Cllr Chris Read said: “This recognition from the wider local government community is testimony to all the work that’s been undertaken by our staff, councillors and partners. I am delighted for them.

“We’ve come a long way over the last eight years, under an unprecedented level of scrutiny and against a declining level of resource, and it is their commitment and dedication to our community that has driven the improvements we’ve seen and will continue to see in the future.”

Chief executive Sharon Kemp added: “It is pleasing that the fundamental changes and significant improvements that the council has made have been recognised by our peers.

“This will inspire all of us to keep driving improvements for the communities we serve.”