Brent Council was named ‘council of the year’ at a national awards ceremony.

It saw off competition from five other local authorities – Bristol, Hull, Aberdeen, Calderdale, and Adur and Worthing – to scoop the top prize at the Local Government Chronicle Awards.

The judging panel praised the council for “lifting up the whole borough” with its commitment to celebrating diversity, describing it as “an antidote to today’s fractured society”.

It took note of the council’s highlights over the past year, including building new council homes, street cleaning initiatives, its best ever Ofsted rating, and work with partners to reduce homelessness and violent crime.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “This is brilliant recognition for all the hard work officers and councillors put in day in, day out to serve the residents of Brent.

“The challenge of working in local government is ever changing as we respond to crises, central government funding cuts and the fast-changing world around us.

“Councils are not just here to pick up the bins, we know and love our communities and provide not just a safety net but also a springboard and opportunities for residents to improve their own lives.

“As a Brent boy born and bred, I am hugely proud of how far we have come as a council but there is more to do.

“Brent is the most diverse borough in the most diverse city on earth and this award will only increase our desire to continue improving.”

The recognition follows on from Brent’s selection as the London ‘Borough of Culture’ for 2020.