The local authority's council tax, benefits, and welfare team has once again secured the Excellence in Social Inclusion category at the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation’s national awards ceremony. The team's efforts in identifying and assisting residents most in need, providing essential items through the Crisis and Resilience Fund and the Home Essential Fund, were highlighted by the judges.
Cllr Tim Prater, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Governance, expressed his pride in the team's achievement. "Acknowledgement from peers is, of course, very special but the real award is knowing the difference we’re making to residents across the district," he stated. "We’re not aware of a local authority winning the same category three years in a row. That’s real testament to the amazing work that is being done by the team and I’m incredibly proud of them. Their track record over the past decade is highly coveted."
Further support interventions include a partnership with ReachOut, a private sector service dedicated to assisting the most vulnerable. The Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation panel specifically sought "leading edge approaches to the delivery of social inclusion policies, which had improved the life of those experiencing poverty or deprivation."
Folkestone & Hythe District Council also received a high commendation in the Benefits/Welfare Team of the Year category at the ceremony, which took place in Telford last week. The council has been a consistent recipient of recognition from the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation since 2018, with multiple wins and commendations across various categories.
