Council could be crowned local authority of the year

It's on a shortlist of six councils that could take the title in the prestigious annual MJ Awards.

The Local Authority of the Year is due to be announced this summer. Swansea is the only Welsh authority shortlisted.

Swansea Council's buildings services More Homes team is shortlisted in another category.

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: "This is great news for the council and the city.

"It's an honour to be shortlisted in this highly competitive scheme. It reaffirms that the efforts being made by everybody at the council on behalf of all residents and organisations are of genuinely high quality.

"I thank all those who've helped Swansea Council - including our More Homes team - to earn this recognition as one of the UK's finest."

At a time of tight finances, unprecedented crises and ever-changing service challenges for local authorities, the council says that its ambition is being delivered in an enthralling manner.

It says that it aims to thrive, serve and support its communities in an age of austerity whilst being the high-energy catalyst for an economic upturn.

Awards judges were impressed that the council was able to deliver the spectacular new Swansea Arena at the time of pandemic lockdowns.

Cllr Stewart said: "This new stage for world-class performances was delivered during challenging times. At the same time, we continue to provide top class local service enhancements such as new schools, new events, new playgrounds and new cycle paths."

One of the council's buildings services teams is shortlisted in the awards' best council services team category.

The More Homes team has delivered five pilot housing schemes, culminating in six new semi-detached bungalows in West Cross, two of which were built exclusively using apprentices where practically possible.

The MJ Awards celebrate success stories and recognise people in local government.

Image: Swansea Arena - a catalyst for city centre regeneration.