Sharon Taylor, the leader of Stevenage Borough Council and Labour’s Parliamentrary Candidate for Stevenage at the next general election, recieved the Council Partner of the Year award, on behalf of the Council, from the Citizens Advice Bureau at their gala fundraising dinner on 19th January.
The Council Partner of the Year Award honours the council that has the foresight to utilise the expertise of its local bureau in ensuring the appropriateness of services provided to residents. It applauds a council’s treatment of its local bureau as a significant partner – as well as its wider support for a vibrant and independent voluntary sector.
Stevenage Borough Council won for its prompt and pragmatic response to the recession. Under Sharon’s leadership it established an Economy Taskforce to ensure that services for those affected by the recession work effectively together and invited Stevenage Citizen’s Advice Bureau to join as a key member. The Taskforce has already co-ordinated a number of initiatives, including a redundancy helpline.
Currently celebrating its 70th anniversary, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau has introduced the annual awards to recognise other organisations and individuals who have contributed, in their own distinct way, to the Citizens Advice principle of fair treatment for all.
Sharon said,
“We’re absolutely delighted that our work has been honoured with this prestigious award. Our Economy Taskforce aims to help people in Stevenage deal with the effects of the recession, and we remain fully committed to providing as much help and support as we possibly can. Working with partners including the CAB gives us a range of mechanisms for this support, and we gratefully acknowledge their contribution to this award.”