Our ambition for Watford and our commitment to excellence are frequently recognised by external bodies...
Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards 2026
The council have been shortlisted in the LGC Awards 2026 Economic Support Category for 'A connected town centre shaped for long-term success’. Watford’s town centre has been transformed through a clear, town-wide strategy that treats it not as separate areas but as one continuous journey, shaped around economic resilience, greener travel, culture and community life.
This long-term ambition, co-created with residents and partners, has delivered one of the UK’s strongest-performing town centres, consistently achieving some of Hertfordshire’s highest footfall.
iESE Public Service Excellence Awards 2026
The iESE Public Service Excellence Awards 2026 also shortlisted us in two categories, a huge accolade for the council:
- Green Public Service Award – Embedding Sustainability reflecting the impact of our long‑term environmental programme, including restoring the River Colne, boosting biodiversity, improving sustainable travel, reducing carbon emissions and introducing the Green Loop.
- Efficiency and Effectiveness Award – Leading Change, Shaping Place recognises the scale of our transformation work, from major place‑shaping projects like the Colosseum and the Town Centre to our growing digital and AI capability, our approach to the Community Safety Partnership and housing, our commitment to sustainable growth and the continued delivery of Riverwell.
The council also recieved a Certificate for Excellence award for AI in the iESE Public Service Awards 2026, which applauds how the council have coordinated digital innovation, combining AI telephony, chatbot technology, Live Chat support and co-browsing, to transform outcomes for residents, staff and community.
