Council of the Year
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 Parish 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.