Merton has been shortlisted in two categories at the national local government awards. The South London Legal Partnership has been selected as a finalist in the team of the year category for the 2014 Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards, to be held in central London in mid-March. Merton Council’s Merton Managed Accounts Team has also been shortlisted for the innovation category.

A record breaking 640 entries were submitted for this year’s awards, which demonstrates local government’s enthusiasm to share innovation and reward their teams and individuals who make change happen. There are over 80 organisations in the final, which means that there is fierce competition for the coveted award.

With budgets at the forefront of priorities, it is even more important this year to highlight the organisations who demonstrate best practice and to shine a spotlight on their achievements.

Editor of LGC Emma Maier said: “Congratulations to all shortlisted organisations. Local government has lots to shout about, and these awards are part of that. Each of you should feel proud to be among our finalists.”

Leader of Merton Council Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “This is great for Merton, and for the shortlisting in the team of the year category, it’s great news for us and our partners, Richmond, Kingston and Sutton. I am also delighted that Merton has been shortlisted in the innovation category. We pride ourselves on being business-like in our approach to delivering council services successfully and sustainably. A big part of that involves regularly reviewing how we carry out our business and developing innovative ways of ensuring we continue to deliver excellence and value for money.”

Winners will be announced in mid-March in London where over 600 professionals working in and with local government will join together for a night of recognition, rewarding and networking.

The full list of finalists can be found at www.lgcawards.co.uk

-ENDS-

Notes to editor:

LGC is a local government publication that exists to deliver information and news that helps local authority chief executives, their senior colleagues and the companies they work with to provide better public services