County council up for two awards

LEICESTERSHIRE County Council is in the running for two prestigious prizes after being shortlisted in the Local Government Chronicle Awards for 2019.

Nominated for the Diving Growth category is the authority’s work to support and deliver economic development and growth, including its ambitious transport and broadband infrastructure plans, provision of high quality workspace and its role in planning for long term housing growth over the next two decades.

County council leader, Nick Rushton, said: “I’m delighted that the work we have been doing to build a strong economy and boost growth in the county has been rec- ognised, especially given our low funding position.

“The strategy enables us to help choose locations for new housing, protect environmental and historic assets and bid for money to put the right roads, transport and other infrastructure in place.”

The council has also been shortlisted in the Driving Efficiency through Technology category for its work to improve online self-service opportunities for residents in need of adult social cares services.

This involved redesigning the website, creating a new service directory and customer portal for people to sign up to.

The work means that customers can access more information 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year; to help them make informed decisions on their personal circumstances.

Councillor Richard Blunt, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “I’m proud of the team who have worked incredibly hard to implement this scheme.

“We wanted a website that could provide clearer and more coordinated information for people who are in need of care and support as well as carers. The changes have already demonstrated benefits to people and will also see us save an estimated £50,000 a year.”

The winners of the LGC Awards will be announced on March 13, 2019.