NOMINATIONS are officially open for the annual councillor of the year awards.

The Cllr Awards are the only national awards ceremony to celebrate the work of individual councillors across England and Scotland.

The awards, hosted by Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA, call for nominations from the public for councillors who’ve gone above and beyond to deliver for their communities.

Nominations for the 12th annual awards are now open.

This year’s categories include leader of the year, young councillor of the year and the coveted community champion, alongside a new resilience and recovery category.

LGIU chief executive Jonathan Carr-West said now is the perfect time to support your “local heroes” by nominating those who’ve stepped up to the plate during extraordinary circumstances.

“Local government supports all of us, each and every day. On every street, in every town, up and down the country, it is the vital work of councillors that keeps things moving,” he said.

“As we officially open nominations for Cllr Awards 2021, we welcome contributions from any member of the public as well as other councillors, officers and leaders.

“We look forward to once again receiving the highest calibre of nominations and showcasing the essential work of councillors in December.”

Nominations can be made by anyone who would like to recognise a councillor doing outstanding work for their community, and are open until Friday, September 24, with the shortlist unveiled at the end of October.

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers, as well as leading stakeholders from across the sector.

The winner will be revealed at this year’s ceremony, which is due to take place on Wednesday, December 1.

Due to the Covid restrictions, the ceremony will be held as a hybrid event with virtual link ups to a central London venue.

Previous winners include Lord Peter Smith (Wigan), Cllr Michelle Lowe (Sevenoaks), Cllr John Alexander (Dundee) and Cllr Shona Haslam (Scottish Borders).