Last month the council won four Local Innovation Awards – the highest number of any local authority in the country – as part of a national scheme designed especially to recognise the best work being done in public services.

The four schemes were rated as the brightest ideas and most innovative programmes in local government and now enable the authority to access more funding to improve services.

Steve Stewart, chief executive of Northumberland County Council said; “This is an excellent and deserved accolade for the council in what is still the first full year of our existence. This success will enable us to access around £1.2m of funding that we can now re-invest into council services for people across the county.

“It shows just how much we are looking towards partnership working and bright, new ideas to get the best value for the taxpayer while providing even better services for the public.”

A combined fire station and SureStart Children’s centre project in Rothbury (pictured) has helped to deliver modern facilities in the heart of a rural community benefiting children and families, while also protecting the community through the work of the fire service.

BOX; Our winning ideas;

Keeping children and young people safe in the community
A project focused on high-risk young people to reduce or prevent offending. It is linked to mainstream child protection but is reaching beyond traditional users to support young people with the highest levels of need.

Achieving more through partnerships
This is a joint project by Northumberland Fire and Rescue Services, Children’s Services and SureStart. The new shared facility has delivered real benefits to the community for reduced cost.

Carers as expert care partners
Carers Northumberland has established a virtual carers’ centre in a rural and sparsely populated area. Bringing local projects together has made the service more sustainable and provided a high profile single point of contact for all carers.

Strengthening families
This community family skills programme for mothers, fathers, carers, and young people has been piloted in a local prison, bringing families together before the prisoner’s release. It is designed to strengthen the family unit and reduce the risk of re-offending.