GBC Wins Bronze At Local Government Awards Ceremony

Published on: 12 Jun, 2026
Updated on: 12 Jun, 2026

Guildford’s bronze award winners: From left, Chief Executive Pedro Wrobel, Assistant Director of Housing Services Annalisa Howson, Strategic Director of Housing, Communities and Environment Julian Higson, Communications and Digital Services Manager Melanie Battams and Strategic Director of Economy, Planning and Place Ezra Wallace

Guildford Borough Council has been awarded Bronze in the ‘Most Improved Council’ category at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards 2026.

The LGC Awards recognise good practice across local government and highlight the work of councils, councillors and officers in delivering services and improving outcomes for their communities.

A council statement said afterwards: “The award comes after a challenging period for the council, during which a programme of improvement has been underway to strengthen governance, stabilise finances and improve services for residents.

“It reflects the ongoing efforts of staff and councillors across the organisation, who continue to work hard to address key issues and lay stronger foundations for the future.”

The council said that in recent years, it had focused on a range of improvements, with early signs of progress that include:

On housing:
- Repairs response times improved by 38 per cent
- 16,000 responsive repairs completed, with 98.8 per cent of emergency repairs delivered within priority timescales
- Achieving a C1 consumer standard grading from the Regulator of Social Housing
On the financial position:
- A balanced budget set for the next two years
- Improved non-ringfenced reserves
On workforce matters
- 71 per cent of staff report feeling motivated to deliver their best
- Six inclusive employee networks established this year
On residents’ experience
- Call waiting times reduced from two hours to around 90 seconds
- On-time responses to Stage 1 Housing Complaints improved by 78 per cent
On governance and assurance
- Strengthened internal controls and improved Internal Audit opinions
- The Independent Assurance Panel noted a significant reduction in the risk of failing Best Value Duty

Cllr Julia McShane

The Leader of Guildford Borough Council, Councillor Julia McShane, said: “I’m so pleased that Guildford Borough Council has been recognised in this way. This award really belongs to everyone whose hard work, determination and care for our communities have made such a difference over the past few years.

“It hasn’t always been easy, but together we’ve made significant steps forward in improving our services, strengthening our finances and rebuilding trust with our residents. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far and we’ll continue working to deliver the high-quality services our residents deserve.”

The council says it remains committed to continuing its improvements and delivering lasting, positive change for everyone who calls Guildford borough home.