News

Three local authorities have been awarded beacon status for the quality of their adoption services, writes Clare Jerrom.

Essex, Gateshead and Medway councils gained the awards for adoption, while Nottinghamshire, Telford and Wrekin and Lewisham councils won recognition for their services in better access and mobility.

Excellence and innovation were highlighted in Babergh, Stevenage, Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Brent and Wigan councils for their neighbourhood renewal initiatives.

Promoting racial equality was praised in Leicester, Lewisham and Manchester councils.

Local government minister Nick Raynsford said: "Beacon status is much more than a trophy. Becoming a Beacon is just the start – the new beacon councils will now help other councils learn from their experience.

"By sharing their best practice with others, beacon councils can help raise standards of public services across the country," he added.

The other councils, 46 in total were awarded beacon status, were praised for crime reduction in rural areas, community legal services, fostering business growth, improving urban green spaces, libraries as a community resource, tackling fuel poverty and transition in education.

Click here for a full list of the councils awarded beacon status.