The council and its partners, have been shortlisted in six of the 17 award categories, the highest number of nominations of any UK local authority in 2026...
APSE is a not-for-profit organisation that celebrates local authorities providing outstanding frontline services and transformative projects.
The nominations include:
- Best Building and Housing Initiative – Transforming Watford: A decade of success in urban regeneration through public-private collaboration at Riverwell
- Best Efficiency and Transformation Initiative – Redefining the art of the possible: Watford Borough Council’s story of continuous evolution in an ever-changing environment
- Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative – Rediscovering the River Colne
- Best Innovation and Demand Initiative – The Green Loop: turning vision into reality
- Best Service Team: Parks, Grounds and Horticultural – Active, Inclusive, Award-Winning: The Watford Parks and Open Spaces Story
- Best Service Team: Parks, Grounds and Horticultural – The transformation of Watford’s parks through the ‘Green Spaces Strategy’
This achievement follows a year of significant accolades for the town, with Watford being ranked amongst the UK’s best towns in the Vitality Index 2026, winning Council of the Year at the iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards in 2025 and being shortlisted for Local Authority of the Year at the MJ Awards.
Despite significant financial pressures facing councils across the country, Watford has continued to lead the way in regeneration, sustainability and community wellbeing.This includes:
- Major place-shaping regeneration projects such as the revitalisation of the town centre and the transformation of Watford Colosseum, alongside progress in digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
- The council’s approach to partnership working, including its leadership within the Community Safety Partnership, investment in housing and sustainable growth, and the continued delivery of the Riverwell development.
- The impact of Watford’s long-term environmental programme, including restoring the River Colne, boosting biodiversity through projects such as the Cassiobury Wetlands, improving sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions across the borough.
- Introduction of the Green Loop, which is creating new walking and cycling connections while enhancing green space across the town.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Being shortlisted for seven awards, the highest number of nominations of any UK local authority in 2026 is a huge endorsement of Watford.
They recognise the hard work of our members, staff, partners, and community in delivering real change for the town. From regeneration and sustainability to innovation in how we deliver services, Watford has built a reputation as a town with big ideas that also gets things done.”
Winners will be announced at the APSE Annual Charity Awards Dinner in Liverpool on Thursday 17 September 2026, where the awards will be agreed by a panel of expert judges.
