THE local authority is in the running to win Council of the Year at the LGC Awards 2019.

Wigan Council will come up against six other nominees for the top prize which will be announced in March after being judged by a panel of judges.

Chester Council, Cornwall Council, Coventry County Council, Hull City Council and North East Lincolnshire are the other local authorities that have been shortlisted.

The accolade recognises excellence in local government across the country.

The nomination for the council comes after its The Deal scheme was lauded for being the future for health services by The Kings Trust.

Wigan Council leader Cllr David Molyneux said: “To be shortlisted in such a prestigious category at these national awards is a great accolade for the council and acknowledgement of all that has been achieved through The Deal.

"We have taken tough but fair decisions that have helped us to maximise the support we can give to communities through innovative schemes like the Community Investment Fund.

"Despite the heavy cuts in funding we are still able to give residents first class care through programmes like our reablement service, the only one in the country to be ranked outstanding, and our children’s services being ranked good with outstanding elements such as adoption by Ofsted.

“The recognition Wigan Council gets on a national level is down to the hard work of our brilliant staff.

"And we look forward to telling our story of growth through reforming services by closer working with partners and our person-centred approach focusing on residents’ strengths to the judges in the coming months.”

Judges have also commended The Deal for its impact on the borough despite being the third worst affected by funding cuts from the Government in the last eight years.

LGC editor Nick Golding said: “The councils that have been shortlisted for an LGC Award are among the most innovative – and their innovation is providing the best services for residents, despite local government facing enormous budget cuts."