Two east London councils have been praised at a council of the year awards.

Waltham Forest Council won the Municipal Journal’s Achievement Awards title of ‘Council of the Year’ and Redbridge Council was shortlisted for the same accolade.

Redbridge Council leader, Cllr Jas Athwal heralded the news as an east London “renaissance”.

The awards ceremony was held at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane and follows east London neighbours Barking and Dagenham winning the 2018 Local Government Chronicle (LGC) council of the year award.

Cllr Clare Coghill, leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to be named Local Authority of the Year and is testament to the hard work of our staff who so often go the extra mile to support residents.

“Every council across the country strives to do their best for their community and for Waltham Forest to be recognised for our efforts in supporting our residents to live in a clean environment, with decent housing and to have the best opportunities to thrive is amazing.

“But we know that our residents expect more, and we will not be resting on our laurels, we will be building on this success and what we’ve learnt in recent years to do all we can to improve our residents’ life chances.”

Cllr Athwal said: “I’d like to congratulate our neighbours Waltham Forest for winning council of the year. It’s a fantastic achievement and very well deserved.

“Whilst we’re disappointed we missed out on the award, it’s clear special things are happening in our part of world and I’m very proud to be part this east London renaissance.”

Both councils faced competition from Thurrock, North East Lincolnshire and Rushcliffe councils to be crowned the best in local government.

The judges praised Redbridge’s efforts at the ceremony, saying they were particularly impressed with the council’s “one team approach” which they said is “putting Redbridge on the map.”

Cllr Athwal added: “Being shortlisted for this award is testament to the hard work of all our incredible council staff who every day go above and beyond to deliver for our residents.

“I want to thank all our officers, many of who live in the borough, councillors and cabinet members who have committed their time and energy into transforming the council over the last few years and delivering investment despite punishing government cuts.

“We still have a long way to go and much has to be done to streamline our services and make improvements, but progress is being made and this wonderful accolade shows we are on the right track.”