We are delighted to share that Saxmundham Town Council has been awarded Silver in the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Local Council Award Scheme! This recognition highlights the Council’s commitment to strong governance, transparency, and serving the community to the highest standards.
This is a voluntary scheme for local Councils across England, designed to celebrate those who go above and beyond basic legal requirements. Achieving Silver shows that Saxmundham Town Council not only meets national standards but also demonstrates best practice in governance, decision-making, and community engagement. In Suffolk, we are proud to be the only council currently holding Silver, joining a select group of Councils nationally that have achieved this recognition.
What This Means for the Town Council
The Silver award reflects what residents already see every day: a council that is professional, accountable, and focused on the community. It demonstrates that:
The Council is well-run and transparent, with clear processes for decision-making.
Councillors and staff are actively engaging with residents, listening to ideas, concerns, and priorities.
The Council is continuously looking to improve, learning from best practice and striving for the highest standards.
Partnerships with local groups and organisations are effective and collaborative, ensuring projects and initiatives benefit the town.
This achievement is not just about a badge — it’s a recognition of the Council’s ongoing efforts to deliver real, positive outcomes for Saxmundham.
A Commitment to the Community
Cllr John Findlay, Chair of Saxmundham Town Council, said:
“We are extremely proud to receive the Silver award. It reflects the hard work of our Councillors, staff, and community partners, and most importantly, it shows our commitment to the people of Saxmundham. We will continue to build on this achievement, keeping the Council accountable, transparent, and focused on delivering for our residents.”
The award also strengthens confidence among local residents and partners, following on from the recent ‘Suffolk Council of the Year’ award and nomination for National Council of the Year. This external recognition strengthens the Town Council’s reputation as professional, well-governed, and dedicated to making the town an even better place to live, work, and visit.
Looking Forward
While Silver is an important milestone, the Council sees it as part of an ongoing journey. We are committed to continuous improvement, listening to residents, and maintaining the high standards that this award recognises.
The Town Council is committed to building on this achievement and intends to apply for the highest award status, Gold, in the coming years. One of the Gold criteria relates to the proportion of Councillors elected rather than co-opted, which means an application will follow the next scheduled elections in May 2027. In the meantime, the Council is already working proactively to ensure that all other elements of the Gold criteria are met, so we are well prepared when the time comes.
For more information about the Local Council Award Scheme, visit the NALC website: NALC Local Council Award Scheme.
