NALC is delighted to unveil the prestigious Star Council Awards 2024 finalists, showcasing the best of England’s parish and town councils.

This annual celebration of innovation and commitment highlights the transformative contributions of councils, councillors, clerks, county associations and council staff to their communities.

These awards reflect the vibrant spirit, commitment, and creativity characterising parish and town councils nationwide. This year’s finalists, chosen after a rigorous selection process by an expert panel of judges, have set themselves apart through their exceptional efforts. Their achievements underscore the vital role that parish and town councils play in fostering strong, resilient, and thriving communities.

Council of the Year

• Charlton Kings Parish Council, Gloucestershire
• Falmouth Town Council, Cornwall
• Great Linford Parish Council, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes
• Houghton Regis Town Council, Bedfordshire
• Oswestry Town Council, Shropshire

Councillor of the Year

• Cllr Anna Burton, Nantwich Town Council, Cheshire 
• Cllr Richard Collins, Great Braxted Parish Council, Essex
• Cllr Victoria Ranford, Quedgeley Town Council, Gloucestershire
• Cllr Andy Snape, Flitwick Town Council, Bedfordshire
• Cllr Dianne Taylor, Wythall Parish Council, Worcestershire

Young Councillor of the Year

• Cllr Matthew Brown, Redruth Town Council, Cornwall
• Cllr Nathan Dunbar, Polegate Town Council, East Sussex
• Cllr Tom Greenaway, Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council, Oxfordshire
• Cllr William Morris, Fownhope Parish Council, Herefordshire
• Cllr Abby Slough, Houghton Regis Town Council, Bedfordshire

County Association of the Year

• Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Association of Local Councils
• Essex Association of Local Councils
• Kent Association of Local Councils
• Suffolk Association of Local Councils
• Warwickshire and West Midlands Association of Local Councils

Clerk of the Year

• James Hardy, Penzance Town Council, Cornwall
• Eirwen Tagg, Great Linford Parish Council, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes
• Andrew Towlerton, Ecclesfield Parish Council, Yorkshire
• Mark Williams, Falmouth Town Council, Cornwall
• Odile Wladon, Stradbroke Parish Council, Suffolk

Climate Response of the Year

• Chippenham Town Council, Wiltshire
• Exmouth Town Council, Devon
• Falmouth Town Council, Cornwall
• Godalming Town Council, Surrey
• West Monkton Parish Council, Somerset

Each finalist represents a shining example of the dedication and passion that drives the parish and town council sector. From championing sustainability and tackling climate change to fostering youth engagement and innovative community services, these finalists demonstrate the power of local leadership to make a tangible difference.

Cllr Keith Stevens, NALC chair commented:

“Congratulations to all the finalists. Your remarkable achievements reflect your unwavering commitment to excellence. Being a finalist is no small feat. It is a testament to your dedication and impact on your communities. We proudly celebrate your success and look forward to honouring your incredible contributions at the awards ceremony.”

The winners will be announced at the NALC parliamentary reception on 25 February 2025, hosted at the House of Lords. This landmark event will recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of this year’s finalists.

Clear Councils Insurance, Blachere Illumination, CCLA, Cloudy IT, Facilitating the Future, Unity Trust Bank, and Utility Aid proudly support the Star Council Awards.

RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth was delighted to serve on one of the judging panels for the County Association of the Year category.  She said: “It’s fantastic to see such a range of work being undertaken by our Town and Parish Councils, playing such a key role to support many of our rural communities.”