Great Yarmouth Borough Council is national award finalist for driving economic growth

The council has been shortlisted in the Driving Growth category of the 2020 LGC Awards, run by the Local Government Chronicle. This follows success in the same category last year, when the council was selected as the Highly Commended finalist.

This shortlisting recognises Great Yarmouth's innovative work with partners to support energy investment at the Enterprise Zone sites around the Outer Harbour, South Denes and Beacon Park, as well as the ongoing regeneration work in the town centre and seafront, including the new Marina Centre.

It also recognises the range of work the council is undertaking to improve the standard of housing in urban Yarmouth and initiatives to create an attractive mix of good quality housing, that is fit for purpose for all and meets local needs.

Cllr Carl Smith and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, the main political group leaders, said: "Driving economic growth, investment and job-creation is about supporting communities and improving lives, whether that be through maximising business opportunities, regenerating our town centre and seafront, or improving housing.

"This is a top priority, embedded in the council's everyday business, and that is reflected in the fact that Great Yarmouth has now been shortlisted twice for this prestigious award. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the council teams and partners involved - their total commitment is a credit to the council and to the communities it serves."

Sheila Oxtoby, chief executive, said: "Through investing proactively in the economy, developing responsive projects and working at a place-based level with partners, including New Anglia LEP and Peel Ports, the council is creating and capturing exciting opportunities for growth for our communities and businesses.

"To be shortlisted again for this exciting national recognition is a tribute to the commitment of officers and partners, and the ambition of councillors. We are pleased that the judges are impressed with the council's vision and area-based agenda. This is a team success, and I'm so proud of everyone involved."

LGC editor Nick Golding said: "The councils that have been shortlisted for an LGC Award are among the most innovative - and their innovation helps provide the best services for residents, despite local government facing ongoing financial constraint.

"The officers and councillors of shortlisted councils deserve enormous credit for thinking of new ways to deliver the best services, ensuring vital services thrive, benefiting everyone who uses them."