Folkestone & Hythe District Council has been recognised for its work in supporting vulnerable residents.
At the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV)’s national awards ceremony last week, the council tax, benefits and welfare team were named the winners of the Benefits and/or Welfare Reform Team of the Year and Excellence in Social Inclusion categories.
Judges praised a “holistic approach to supporting residents” including an “innovative” collaboration scheme with ReachOut, a private sector service from Sigma Connected, aimed at working with the most vulnerable.
The work of “alleviating poverty and deprivation” within targeted groups in the district through the Household Support Fund and Home Essentials Fund was also commended.
Cllr Tim Prater, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Governance, said: “I’m very proud of the work of the council tax, benefits and welfare team – they continue to deliver support not just making a positive difference to the lives of residents, but to a nationally recognised standard of excellence.”
Folkestone & Hythe District Council was also named a finalist in the Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Partnership Working categories.