2024 - Brixworth Parish Council
At Northants CALC, supporting councils often feels like a delicate balancing act—like spinning plates that occasionally wobble and need intervention. Councils can become unstable due to internal issues or the actions of individuals, and even minor conflicts can escalate if governance is weak. Recovery requires “positive actors”—those who recognize problems early and work toward solutions, often at personal cost. A council’s true strength lies not in avoiding trouble, but in how it recovers and rebuilds.
This particular council has faced significant challenges over the past decade but has made remarkable progress in the last two years following a leadership change. With a new clerk, a new chair, and a committed team of councillors, it has rebuilt on the foundations of strong governance, mutual respect, and community focus. The Council of the Year Award is a tribute not only to its transformation but also to all councils that have emerged stronger from adversity.
2023 - Rothwell Town Council
Rothwell Town Council has significantly expanded its efforts to improve community life, especially in the past two years, showing bold leadership and financial responsibility by raising its precept while still maintaining a low Band D tax rate. Emerging from a challenging relationship with the former borough council, it has embraced ambitious projects like a Neighbourhood Plan and youth and leisure initiatives.
Under the guidance of a skilled clerk and a dedicated team of councillors, the council has transformed and thrived, demonstrating resilience and vision. Its achievements have earned it the 2023 Council of the Year Award, celebrating its commitment to serving the community and its impressive progress.
2022 - Moulton Parish Council
Moulton Parish Council has positioned itself at the forefront of modern local governance by responding to evolving community needs and tackling major issues like health, wellbeing, and social isolation. Through bold initiatives such as building a leading community centre and offering a wide range of services—from wellbeing hubs to youth and elderly clubs—it has made a tangible impact on residents' lives.
This success is driven by a passionate clerk, a visionary chair, and a committed team of councillors who work together to deliver meaningful change. Their proactive, community-focused approach has earned Moulton Parish Council the 2022 Council of the Year Award.
2021 - All
2021 was an incredibly challenging year for parish and town councils, following the upheaval of the pandemic and major local government reorganisation. Despite the pressure, councils across Northamptonshire showed remarkable resilience, adapting quickly to new ways of working and continuing to serve their communities with dedication and strength.
In recognition of this collective effort, Northants CALC awarded the 2021 Council of the Year to all councils in Northamptonshire that are still standing—celebrating their perseverance, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making their communities better places to live, work, and thrive.
2020 - Wootton Parish Council
Wootton Parish Council demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience during the challenges of 2020, quickly adapting to online meetings and continuing with ambitious plans, including a major community centre redevelopment. With a progressive clerk, a dedicated chairman, and a united team of councillors, the council turned obstacles into opportunities, showing unwavering commitment to improving life in its community.
Its proactive approach, even amid a global pandemic, exemplifies the best of local government—making Wootton a deserving recipient of the 2020 Council of the Year Award.
2019 - Daventry Town Council
Daventry Town Council has exemplified how local government reorganisation can be embraced as an opportunity rather than feared as a threat. Recognising the potential of unitary reorganisation, the council proactively pursued the transfer of services and assets from the principal council to ensure they are delivered at the most local level, closest to the community. Despite the challenges and resource demands of the negotiation process, the council chose to persevere, driven by its commitment to serving its residents.
The success of this initiative lies not just in the services devolved, but in the people behind it—the dedicated councillors and the passionate Clerk whose efforts have been instrumental. Their determination and community-first mindset earned Daventry Town Council the title of 2019 Northamptonshire Council of the Year, celebrating their leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to making a difference.
2018 - Glapthorn Parish Council
As discussions around Local Government Reorganisation continue, there's a growing perception that only larger town councils are equipped to take on devolved services, while smaller parish councils lack the ability. However, it's important to distinguish between ability and capacity. With the right support and development, even the smallest councils can play a meaningful role. Glapthorn Parish Council, winner of the 2018 Northamptonshire Council of the Year, is a prime example. Despite having fewer than 250 electors and a modest precept, it has delivered significant projects, including a successful Neighbourhood Plan and upgraded street lighting, all managed professionally and efficiently.
The council’s achievements are rooted in its people—a skilled and committed clerk, a community-focused chairman, and a full team of engaged councillors. Their collective passion and dedication prove that size is no barrier to excellence. Glapthorn Parish Council shows that with the right leadership and drive, small councils can make a big impact.
2017 - Weedon Bec Council
Being a councillor or clerk requires courage and resilience. Public service often means facing criticism while rarely receiving recognition, and those who take on these roles must be prepared to stand firm in the face of challenges. Weedon Bec Parish Council exemplifies this strength. Despite finding itself in a daunting situation involving asbestos and unexploded ordnance on a local playing field, the council remained committed to its community, enduring unfair criticism and immense pressure.
This award honours not the project itself, but the people behind it—the steadfast clerk, the courageous Chair, and the dedicated councillors who chose perseverance over retreat. Their leadership and determination in the face of adversity are a testament to the spirit of public service.