Burnley Council named Council of the Year
Burnley Borough Council has been named Council of the Year at the national LGC Awards 2026.
The council took home the top prize at a ceremony in London after being shortlisted alongside Cardiff Council, North Yorkshire Council, Northumberland CC and Sutton LBC.
The award is one of the biggest honours in local government, with the 2026 LGC Awards receiving a record number of entries. The awards recognise the work councils do to deliver services, support communities and improve places.
For Burnley, the win comes just a year after the council was highly commended in the same category.
This year, it went one better.
The council’s entry showcased the work taking place across the borough, from the continued regeneration of the town centre and Canalside, to the growth of Burnley’s university presence, new housing, work to bring empty homes back into use, and the restoration of Towneley Hall.
It also recognised the impact of Burnley Together, which supports around 1,000 households every quarter, alongside improvements to everyday council services, including planning, benefits and waste collection. The award entry also showcased Burnley’s wider work on community cohesion, culture, climate action and neighbourhood improvement.
Judges said: "This council has demonstrated exceptional work in place leadership and community cohesion. The judges were inspired by the council’s passion and fearless leadership, with outstanding results in areas from housing to working with business partners, transforming the narrative about this place and its communities.”
Councillor Afrasiab Anwar, Leader of Burnley Borough Council, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for Burnley and a really proud moment for the whole borough.
“Being named Council of the Year is not just about the council. It is about the people, organisations, businesses and communities who work with us every day.
“We know Burnley faces challenges, but we also know how much determination, talent and pride there is here.
“This award recognises the progress being made, the strength of our partnerships and the ambition we have for Burnley.
“It is a moment to celebrate, but also a moment to keep building on. We will use this recognition to keep championing Burnley and attracting the attention and investment the borough deserves.”
"The award reflects the contribution of staff, councillors and partners, including Burnley Leisure, Burnley Together, Burnley Bondholders, Liberata and FCC, as well as community organisations, volunteers, businesses and residents.”
Lukman Patel, Chief Executive of Burnley Borough Council, said:
“This is an incredible moment for Burnley.
“To be named Council of the Year is one of the highest honours in local government, and it reflects the hard work of so many people who care deeply about this borough, from our staff and councillors to our partners, volunteers and communities.”
“This award recognises the quality and impact of our services, the strength of our partnerships, and the progress we have made together in transforming the council and changing the narrative for Burnley.
“We have always known that Burnley is ambitious, determined and full of pride. Now that has been recognised on the national stage.
“Last year we came close. This year we went one better. Burnley is now officially recognised as a leading council, and everyone who has played a part in that should feel incredibly proud.”